Ecuadorian banana exports down across the board in 2022

2022 marked a break in the upward trend in Ecuadorian banana exports: total export volumes were 12 % down on 2021, according to data from professional sources. This was due to a fall in productivity, explained by the La Niña phenomenon causing unfavourable climate conditions for production (low sunshine and temperatures), a lack of fertilising due to soaring input prices, and a historic freight crisis curbing spot shipments. While exports fell across the board, affecting all Ecuador’s outlets, we should note that the downturn on the Russian market, despite the Russo-Ukrainian conflict which began in February 2022, was very moderate: -3 % on 2021. Other markets registered much more considerable falls, e.g. the USA and above all the EU27.

Source: CIRAD