Orsero has signed a strategic alliance agreement with "Platano de Canarias," strengthening its position in the banana production chain in the Canary Islands. This agreement was established between Hermanos Fernández López, Orsero's Spanish company, and Cooperativas Unidas de La Palma, one of the largest cooperatives and agricultural producers in the Canary Islands and the biggest on the island of La Palma. The leading group in Mediterranean Europe, specializing in importing and distributing fresh fruit and vegetable products, announced this collaboration.

Zouhair Bouziane, the Tunisian Director of Economic Research at the Ministry of Commerce and Export Development, recently announced that the banana market faced supply disruptions, leading to price increases. This situation stemmed from logistical challenges, but the ministry quickly restored supply. In a statement to Mosaïque FM, Bouziane emphasized that the supply of bananas has been closely monitored, from cold storage facilities to wholesale and retail markets.

According to a press release from the Kazakh president's office, on April 1st, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc-Musar discussed the possibility of linking Slovenia's Koper Seaport (Luka Koper) with TITR. President Natasa Pirc-Musar arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit on March 31. During their discussions, Presidents Tokayev and Pirc-Musar agreed to integrate Koper Seaport into the TITR. They also tasked relevant agencies from both countries with implementing measures to enhance mutual trade.

Danish shipping powerhouse A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S purchased a railway linking ports at both ends of the Panama Canal, undermining the United States’ presence along a key trade route where Donald Trump is trying to elbow out competitors. Maersk’s port operator, APM Terminals, acquired the Panama Canal Railway Co., the owner of the line that stretches across the isthmus nation, from a joint venture between Canadian Pacific Kansas City and the U.S.’s Lanco Group. Maersk ranks No. 6 on the Transport Topics Top 50 list of the largest global freight carriers.

Ecuador's primary destination for non-oil exports is the United States. In response to recent developments, the Ecuadorian government is considering negotiations. The 10% tariff imposed by the President of the United States on Ecuadorian products has worsened the situation for the export sector. The Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce has activated all diplomatic and technical channels to engage with trade authorities and urgently seek alternatives to mitigate the impact of this tariff.

In week 14, the price of bananas in St. Petersburg decreased from USD 28.40 per box CIF on Monday to a range of USD 26.60 to 27.20 per box CIF starting Tuesday as demand weakened. The prices varied based on the brand, volume, and packaging. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 84.38 RUB. Prices for Ecuadorean bananas in the Mediterranean region ranged from USD 21.00 to USD 23.00 per box, CIF, depending on brand, volume, and packaging. In contrast, prices in the Maghreb were significantly higher, with Ecuadorean bananas priced around USD 29.00 to USD 30.00 per box CIF in Libya. Central American bananas were slightly lower, at approximately USD 27.00 to USD 28.00 per box. In Algeria, prices for Ecuadorean bananas also remained elevated, ranging from USD 28.00 to USD 30.00 per box CIF. In the Mersin Free Zone, re-exported Ecuadorean bananas were valued between USD 22.00 and USD 24.00 per box, influenced by brand, volume, weight, and packaging. Central American bananas were priced at about USD 18.00 to USD 20.00 per box.

Morocco has set a record for banana imports, as reported by EastFruit magazine. By the end of 2024, the country had imported over 36,000 tons of bananas, which is 28.8% more than the previous year and double the amount imported in 2022. This record level of imports has exceeded $18 million in costs.

Chiquita is set to make a dynamic return to Milan Design Week 2025, once again opening the doors of The Chiquita House—an immersive and interactive space celebrating the second edition of the brand’s acclaimed Pop by Nature campaign. Taking place as part of the Fuorisalone event, this year’s Chiquita House will offer an engaging and visually striking experience that brings the essence of pop art to life.

The Philippines remains the leading supplier of bananas to Japanese consumers, accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the market last year. This means three of four bananas consumed in Japan were grown in the Philippines. However, the Philippines' share of the Japanese banana market has decreased as competitors gain ground. Over a decade ago, the Philippines dominated the market with a 94 per cent share, but by 2024, this had dropped by almost 20 per cent.

Dole Fresh Fruit Co. has placed an order for 400 Star Cool 1.1 refrigeration units, which will include the Sekstant telematics system. The decision is part of the company's broader efforts to increase operational efficiency and address ongoing changes in the refrigerated transport market, particularly regarding environmental regulations and technological advancements. Industry contexThe global shipping sector continues to undergo structural shifts influenced by regulatory pressure, evolving technologies, and changing trade routes. In response, Dole has opted to upgrade its refrigerated container fleet with the newly introduced Star Cool 1.1 units, which launched in September 2024.

Philadelphia's seaport imports more fresh fruit than any other U.S. port, primarily from Central and South America. However, new tariffs will soon make that cargo more expensive. On April 2nd, President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on imports from Costa Rica, Panama, Chile, Guatemala, and Brazil—key suppliers of Philadelphia’s fresh fruit. Australia and New Zealand, which export meat, dairy, and fruit, will also face the tax. Economists predict American importers will bear the costs, which may be passed to consumers.

Analysts have noted that Donald Trump's administration's announcement of tariffs jeopardizes the application of DR-Cafta. They agree that the unilateral imposition of tariffs on various products threatens the development of the Free Trade Agreement between Central America and the Dominican Republic (DR-Cafta). This trade agreement, enacted in Costa Rica on January 1, 2009, boosted trade relations and attracted investments. The United States is Costa Rica's leading trading partner; in 2024, it was the destination for 47% of goods exports, with over 1,800 products sent to the North American nation.

Zespri's first charter shipment of the 2025 New Zealand kiwifruit season has set sail from Tauranga bound for Shanghai. The vessel Kowhai—named by Zespri in 2020—was carrying 1.2 million trays, or around 5,400 tonnes, of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit and 16 containers of Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit for customers in China. The Kowhai was due to reach Shanghai at the end of March. Zespri's second charter of the season - the Oriental Iris - also departed last week, bound for Tokyo as the season gets into full swing.

Companies such as PepsiCo, Conagra, and J.M. Smucker have requested tariff exemptions on imported ingredients essential to the food industry, including cocoa, coffee, spices, and tropical fruits. The Consumer Brands Association made this request in a letter. The letter argues that these ingredients are not available in the US, and exempting them from tariffs would help protect domestic manufacturers while preventing increases in consumer costs.

In week 12, the selling prices of bananas in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 27.20 per box CIF to USD 29.55-30.75 per box CIF, depending on the brand, volume, and packaging. Approximately 2.0 million boxes were discharged, and around 1.835 million boxes are expected to be delivered in week 13. The Exchange rate was 84.40 RUB to 1 USD. Prices for bananas in the Mediterranean region varied based on brand, volume, weight, packaging, and origin, ranging from USD 20.00 to USD 23.00 per box, CIF. In Libya, however, prices were higher, with Ecuadorian bananas selling for approximately USD 25.00 to USD 27.00 per box CIF. In contrast, Central American bananas were priced at USD 23.00 to USD 24.00 per box CIF. In Algeria, prices remained higher at USD 30.00 per box CIF or more. The government sanctioned 53 local fruit companies for artificially manipulating prices -according to local media-to raise them during Ramadan. Nonetheless, local traders pointed to a ban on imports of Ecuadorian bananas due to high prices in the domestic market.