Banana Market Report week 20 2015

Despite stabilising somewhat, the European markets have remained fragile. Indeed, despite dollar banana imports remaining stable, the presence of spot supplies in the northern ports has continued to disrupt the balance of certain markets. In spite of public holidays and milder temperatures, local demand in Western Europe has maintained good vitality because of weak competition from other fruits. However, the East European export markets are proving more competitive and under pressure. Hence unsold stocks have started to form on certain North European markets, weakening the balance of these markets. In France, the impact has been more moderate this week thanks to the combined Africa/French West Indies supply returning to average levels (FWI slightly down, Côte d’Ivoire back to average levels, and stable levels from Cameroon and Ghana). In Italy, spot volumes have been very scarce, and the market has remained dynamic. The Russian market has registered a steep price increase. However, in view of the price volatility and slower demand for the past few weeks, the market remains fragile.