Banana monthly review: January 2022

In January, the dollar supply was slightly smaller than in 2021, and well below its 2020 level. On the one hand, although Ecuadorian shipments were on the up, they remained slightly below average because of the limited spot supply. The historically high transport cost heavily restricted Ecuadorian spot loading operations. On the other hand, Colombia and Costa Rica maintained low levels due to their seasonal falls and poor production zone climate conditions (rains). Meanwhile, the combined African supply subsided, though it maintained levels 10% above average. Ivorian shipments maintained high levels (24% above average), while Ghanaian and Cameroonian shipments remained near average (0 % and +5% respectively). Finally, the French West Indies maintained a stable supply, though still slightly below average (-2%). After the end-of-year festivities, the sales tempo quickly gathered pace, and the stocks built up between Christmas and New Year quickly cleared, enabling a rapid price recovery (+11% on 2021, and 6% above average).