In week 04, banana selling price for Ecuadorian bananas, in St. Petersburg was USD 20.00 to USD 20.35 per box CIF on Monday and Tuesday. From Tuesday onward, traders aimed to achieve a price of USD 23.95 per box CIF, but they initially struggled to meet this target. Prices were according to brand, volume, packing and weight. Approximately 2.35 million boxes were discharged, and nearly 2.38 million boxes are expected for week 05. The exchange rate was 76.04 Rubles for 1 USD. Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from USD 16.00 to USD 17.00 per box CIF, depending on the brand, volume, region, and packing.

The Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), the world's leading banana exporter, has achieved BASC (Business Alliance for Safe Trade) certification, becoming the first banana organisation globally to earn this international safety standard. The accreditation was announced during AEBE's annual assembly and highlighted in a statement from the association. "This recognition is the result of collective effort and sends a clear message to international markets: the Ecuadorian banana sector operates with high standards of safety, trust, and responsibility," stated AEBE President Jorge Encalada.

After more than 20 years of research, Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) is beginning to see concrete results from a genetic improvement program that could reshape banana production in the country's north. In Laguna Naineck, Formosa, researchers have developed 30 advanced Cavendish banana lines adapted to local growing conditions, offering higher yields, improved commercial quality, and greater disease resistance.

Belgian authorities have intensified their crackdown on organised drug crime at the port of Antwerp, suspending more than 300 employees after they failed new drug-related security checks and reporting another rise in cocaine seizures in 2025. Since the beginning of the year, police have been screening workers in ports across Belgium as part of stricter security measures aimed at keeping individuals with links to drug trafficking out of sensitive positions. Around 16,700 people—mainly office staff at the ports of Antwerp and Bruges—have been screened so far, with roughly 1.9% receiving a negative assessment. Many of those employees were suspended immediately.

The DP World Callao terminal in Peru has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first port terminal on South America's West Coast to handle over 2 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) in a year. The record volume represents a 22% increase compared to 2023, the year before the commissioning of the Bicentennial Pier, underscoring the terminal's support for Peru's growing trade volumes. In 2024, DP World Callao managed 1.96 million TEU. This achievement reflects ongoing investments in infrastructure, expanded capacity, and operational efficiencies that continue to strengthen Callao's position as a leading regional logistics hub.

Sun Meijun, Minister of China's General Administration of Customs, and Vladimir Cuno, Minister of Agricultural Development and Irrigation of Peru, have announced the signing of phytosanitary protocols for the export of fresh bananas and pomegranates to the People's Republic of China. Minister Cuno and Minister Sun led the signing ceremony.

Starting January 1, 2026, the European Union will implement the "European Green Deal," a series of technical initiatives and standards aimed at counteracting the effects of climate change until 2050. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for our agricultural producers to cultivate tropical fruits that are highly valued in Europe and the United States.

In week 46, banana selling prices in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 20.00 to USD 21.35 per box, CIF, depending on brand, volume and packing. The market has not improved due to weak demand for the fruit. Approximately 1.58 million boxes were discharged, and nearly 1.67 million boxes are expected in the incoming week. The exchange rate for the US dollar was 80.60 RUB. Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from approximately $15.00 to $16.00 per box, CIF. Pricing depended on factors such as brand, volume, packaging, and region. In Libya, both Ecuadorian and Central American bananas were selling for around $18.00 per box, CIF.

Shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk reported solid financial results for the third quarter of 2025, despite experiencing decreased profitability due to ongoing pressure on ocean freight rates. Revenue for the third quarter fell by 9.9% year-on-year to $14.2 billion, with EBITDA dropping to $2.7 billion from $4.8 billion. The revenue decline was mainly attributed to the Ocean segment, which saw an 18% drop in revenue due to a 31% decline in loaded freight rates.

Colombian producers are set to export cocoa, coffee, and bananas to China following agreements established in Shanghai. China is expected to begin importing 80,000 tons of coffee, 15,000 tons of bananas, and 10,000 tons of cocoa annually. These figures are anticipated to solidify thanks to partnerships formed after Colombia joined the Belt and Road Initiative, China's global trade and infrastructure strategy.

Fyffes has been commended for its ongoing contribution to environmental sustainability at the prestigious FPC Fresh Awards gala ceremony held in London recently. The global banana and fruit producer was honoured with the ‘Ethical Sustainability Excellence’ 2025 award, on foot of what adjudicators termed ‘Fyffes respect for people, communities and planet’. “The organisation sets a shining example of how multi-national businesses can engage collective efforts to grow produce responsibly, and enrich people’s lives for a fairer, resilient future,” they added.

Banana production in Ecuador has slowed for the third consecutive month due to cold weather and declining yields. According to the Ecuadorian Banana Exporters Association (AEBE), after a 5.89% increase in shipments in May, growth fell to 5.47% in June, 4.95% in July, and 4.26% in August. Despite remaining positive overall in 2025, Ecuador's banana exports are showing signs of deceleration.

In August 2025, Cameroon experienced a significant decline in banana exports. According to the Cameroon Banana Association (Assobacam), the country exported 14,639 tons of bananas that month, a decrease of 1,798 tons (10.9%) compared to the 16,437 tons exported in July. This downturn impacted all major players in the banana industry.

In week 40, banana selling prices in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 21.12 to USD 22.35 per box CIF, depending on the brand, volume, and packing. During the week approximately 1.28 million boxes were unloaded, and around 2.05 million boxes are expected to be unloaded for the upcoming week. The exchange rate for the USD was 81.01 RUB. In the Mediterranean, the price of Ecuadorian bananas ranged from USD 19.50 to USD 20.50 per box, CIF. In Northern Africa, prices peaked at USD 23.00 per box, CIF. In contrast, bananas from Central America were selling for approximately USD 21.00 per box, CIF.

The Cameroonian government has successfully settled a salary debt totaling 35.75 billion CFA francs owed to employees of the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) with the support of Société Générale, CCA-Bank, and AFG-Bank. Finance Minister Louis Paul Motaze announced that this payment was completed on September 18, 2025.