The beginning of the summer was marked by a moderate supply and lively demand. Banana sales were able to maintain good levels thanks to the cool weather (rain & cool temperatures in Northern Europe until late June) and to a shortage of seasonal fruits, which were expensive at the beginning of the campaign. Until mid-July, volumes from Africa and the French West Indies were only average. Dollar banana imports, on their seasonal fall, were smaller than in 2015 because of the Colombian production shortage, which reached its lowest point in July. Hence green banana prices fell only moderately, remaining above average for the season. However, the market changed heading from mid-July because of the seasonal rise in African volumes, which arrived earlier than usual. Volumes, already at a very high level, reached a historic peak in August (45 % above average). Meanwhile, the dollar supply expanded distinctly with the end of the Colombian shortfall and trade-offs from Ecuador and Costa Rica continuing to favour the EU. Hence the markets started to swell toward mid-August, at the height of the stone fruits season, and while demand, traditionally less dynamic at this time of year, was slowed by the late-arriving high temperatures. Stocks started to form, and prices fell back to only average levels at the end of the month.
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