The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of the Indonesian government recently issued a press release highlighting the potential to process cassava and bananas into modified flour. This initiative is designed to increase the value of local commodities while extending the shelf life of agricultural products. Ade Saepudin, an Associate Engineer at BRIN, explained that Indonesia is the world's second-largest producer of cassava, following Brazil, with production reaching 21 million tons. However, fresh cassava tubers spoil quickly and may contain cyanide if not processed promptly.

A new banana variety with light-coloured skin, named Clarinha, has been registered in Brazil after emerging from a natural mutation. This new variety retains its marketable appearance longer due to its low chlorophyll content. Clarinha was discovered by chance in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, and the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) has officially entered it into the National Registry of Plant Varieties (RNC).

The island of La Palma has significantly enhanced its irrigation capacity for agriculture. The Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo have implemented five key projects to improve the island's hydraulic network, increasing water availability by 1.5 million cubic meters per year.

In St Petersburg, weak demand kept week 18 banana prices near USD 13.80 per box CIF, with some local sales reported as low as USD 12.00 per box CIF. Nearly 1.51 million boxes were discharged, with 2.045 million expected in week 19. The holiday periods from May 1-3 and May 9-11 typically reduce sales as many people travel outside the cities. As a result, prices may decline further during this period. Additionally, the US dollar was exchanged at around 74.69 RUB. In the Mediterranean region, the price for Ecuadorian bananas was between USD 19.00 and 20.00 per box, CIF. For Central American bananas, the price was approximately USD 19.00 per box, also CIF. Prices varied based on brand, volume, packaging, and region.

Logistics costs can account for up to 35.0% of the final value of fruits exported from Colombia. The fruit sector aims to exceed US$2,400 million in exports by 2026, building on a record US$1,273.1 million in foreign sales in 2025, an 11.3% increase from the previous year. In the first two months of 2026, agricultural exports totalled US$2,681.3 million, a 17.2% increase, underscoring agriculture's role as a key part of the non-mining export sector.

Ecuador is working to reduce trade barriers with Morocco, specifically targeting tariffs of up to 60% that limit exports like bananas, cocoa, and flowers. This initiative aims to help local businesses diversify their international markets. Recently, a delegation of 10 Ecuadorian companies began discussions with Moroccan counterparts to expand exports of agricultural and processed food products and to negotiate a gradual reduction in import duties. This follows a memorandum of understanding signed in January by private sector organisations from both countries.

The report states that the fruits underwent an early tasting, where they performed well, and are expected to reach full ripeness and be harvested this summer. This experiment is part of a program aimed at reviving subtropical agriculture, which has led to the construction of three experimental greenhouses, each measuring 600 square meters: two in Sochi and one in Sukhumi.

DP World has officially opened a significant expansion at its Posorja terminal in Ecuador, part of a $190 million private investment aimed at enhancing trade capacity and reinforcing its role as a Pacific gateway. The quay has been extended by 232.5 meters, bringing the total length to 700 meters, enabling the simultaneous handling of two post-Panamax vessels at full capacity. Plans are in place to extend the berth to 800 meters by the end of 2026, increasing annual throughput capacity to 1.4 million TEUs.

According to Seaexplorer data, 34 vessels from the world's largest carriers are immobilised in the Persian Gulf, prompting Hapag-Lloyd to implement alternative cargo movement arrangements. As of April 28, 2026, these 34 vessels represent over 306,000 TEU of the region's total 345,092 TEU stranded—nearly 88% of the total capacity. Recent attempts by two major carriers to move ships out of the Gulf were thwarted by the seizure of two MSC vessels, further delaying operators navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Since M&S began charging per banana instead of by weight, shoppers have started selecting the largest bananas available. Managers’ report that charging 18p per banana, instead of 90p per kilo, does not raise overall prices when based on the average banana weight. Consequently, customers have been observed choosing the largest bananas from each bunch.

In Argentina’s Misiones province, Cavendish bananas grown from micropropagated seedlings produced by Biofábrica Misiones are delivering strong results, with yields around 40,000 kilograms per hectare and investment returns typically achieved within a year. Micropropagation—growing plants from small sections of a parent plant under controlled conditions—produces uniform, disease-free crops, improving efficiency and shortening harvest cycles compared to traditional methods.

In week 15 in St. Petersburg, banana selling prices were around USD 18.10 per box CIF for nearly all brands. Approximately 2.25 million boxes were discharged, with around 2.35 million expected to arrive in week 16. The exchange rate for the USD was 77.84 RUB. In the Mediterranean region, prices ranged from USD 17.00 to 18.00 per box CIF for Ecuadorian-origin fruit, depending on the brand, volume, and packaging, while Central American fruit was about USD 2.00 lower. In the Mersin Free Zone, Ecuadorian bananas re-exported to neighbouring countries were priced at USD 24.00-25.00 per box, depending on brand, volume, and packaging. Prices remained high due to increased demand and low supply. The exchange rate was 44.67 Turkish Lira for 1 USD.

Brazil’s banana industry is raising concerns about the potential import of bananas from Ecuador due to the risk of introducing Fusarium TR4, a highly destructive soil-borne fungus that attacks plant roots and blocks nutrient transport, ultimately killing the plant. The disease, already detected in Ecuador, poses a serious threat to Brazil’s widely grown nanica banana variety. Industry representatives, including agronomist Hilda Loschi, are urging the federal government to carefully assess the risks before approving imports.

The Strait of Hormuz blockade drives up container shipping spot rates. It is also causing global disruptions. MSI notes that the closure has sharply reduced container trade in the Middle East. This has raised rates worldwide and delayed market correction. After four weeks, transit through the strait remains heavily restricted. As a result, shipping lines have suspended reservations, rerouted vessels, and unloaded cargo at alternative hubs. Therefore, major ports like Jebel Ali are affected, creating inefficiencies like those of the Red Sea crisis, but less severe.

A Hong Kong-based conglomerate's subsidiary initiated arbitration against Maersk, accusing the Danish group of colluding with Panama to seize its port operations on the canal. Panama Ports Co., part of CK Hutchison Holdings, stated on April 7 that Maersk A/S undermined its port contract to make way for a Maersk-affiliated operator at the Balboa terminal. The company said the arbitration would be held in London but didn't explain what remedy it was seeking.