Tapachula is currently experiencing a severe agricultural crisis due to a weevil plague that has devastated up to 30% of banana crops. Small producers in the lower area of the municipality are reporting significant damage to their plantations. Obed Peña Méndez, a representative of the producers from the Congregación Reforma ejido, emphasised that this issue not only threatens the production of one of the region's primary economic engines but also jeopardises the livelihoods of families dependent on banana farming.
Read More »In St. Petersburg, the prices for Ecuadorian bananas during week 37 ranged from USD 18.55 to USD 19.70 per box, CIF, depending on the brand, volume, and packaging, from Monday to Wednesday. Starting Wednesday, the price increased to approximately USD 19.70 per box, CIF, due to higher demand. During that week, around 1.475 million boxes of bananas were unloaded, and an estimated 1.72 million boxes are expected to arrive in the upcoming week. The exchange rate for the US dollar was 85.66 rubles. Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from USD 17.00 to USD 18.00 per box on a CIF basis, depending on the volume, region, brand, and packaging. In comparison, bananas from Central America were valued at approximately USD 2.00 less per box. In the Mersin Free Zone, Ecuadorian bananas re-exported to neighbouring countries were priced between USD 17.00 and USD 20.00 per box, influenced by factors such as brand, volume, packaging, and weight. Central American bananas sold for USD 2.00 to USD 3.00 per box less than Ecuadorian bananas. The US dollar was valued at 41.37 against the Turkish lira.
Read More »Ecuador's Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment, and Fisheries, Luis Jaramillo, announced on Wednesday that negotiations with the United States regarding the potential reduction or elimination of the 10% tariff on Ecuadorian products are progressing positively.
Read More »Peru has requested that China open its market to pomegranates and organic bananas during a historic visit by its Minister. Ángel Manero, Peru's Minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, formally appealed to the Chinese Government as part of his official meetings aimed at strengthening agricultural cooperation, modernising water management, and promoting Peruvian products in the Chinese market.
Read More »In response to the spread of tropical Fusarium race 4 (TR4), one of the most destructive diseases affecting banana cultivation, the Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), through the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA), has established two research plots in the Santa Sofía (Marcavelica) and Chacaltana (Querecotillo) sectors of the Piura region.
Read More »Banana producers in El Oro who meet specific criteria can apply to join the Negotiation Table for setting the 2026 Minimum Support Price (PMS), according to MAG. Applications are due by July 31. Minister Danilo Palacios Márquez stated this aligns with the law promoting and regulating banana and plantain production for export, specifically Articles 1, 3–6.
Read More »In week 30, the price of bananas in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 14.20 to 15.50 per box (CIF), depending on the brand, volume, and packaging. Prices decreased due to weak demand and low consumption, influenced by high temperatures and the availability of large quantities of local summer fruits at competitive prices. Approximately 1.33 million boxes were discharged, with an estimated 1.075 million boxes expected for week 31. The exchange rate was 78.86 RUB for 1 USD. In the Mediterranean, prices for Ecuadorian bananas ranged from USD 16.00 to USD 18.00 per box (CIF), depending on factors such as brand, volume, packaging, and region. In contrast, Central American bananas were sold at approximately USD 14.00 per box on a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) basis. In the Mersin Free Zone, the primary prices for Ecuadorian bananas, which are re-exported to neighbouring countries, ranged from USD 19.00 to USD 20.00 per box. These prices were influenced by brand, volume, packaging, and weight. Despite around 750 containers arriving, sales proceeded smoothly due to high demand.
Read More »In the first half of the year, Paraguay reported banana exports totalling $15 million. This has led to optimistic forecasts predicting that total exports could reach $35 million by the end of 2025, according to Francisco Paniagua, a technical specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG). He noted that producers are benefiting from the Zero Hunger Program implemented in schools, which has boosted sales.
Read More »Investment in logistics has turned this area into a key hub for international agricultural trade, where companies like Banacol succeed. The Urabá region in Antioquia leads Colombia's banana production, supplying 65% of exports to Europe, the US, and Asia, according to the Association of Banana Growers of Colombia (Augura). Beyond its economic role, this Region exemplifies how private companies, local communities, and institutions can collaborate for sustained and inclusive development.
Read More »On July 21, 2025, Maersk announced the launch of a new service connecting the Caribbean with Northern Europe, called the CAX service, aimed at enhancing its maritime network in Latin America. This new service will replace the existing CRX and COEX routes, offering improved reliability, efficient transit times, and enhanced connectivity in key markets. The CAX service will have a port rotation that includes Antwerp, Southampton, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Newark, Manzanillo (Panama), Puerto Antioquia, and Puerto Moín (Panama).
Read More »CMA CGM, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and the growing cold chain drive the reefer container market According to market research, the reefer container industry generated $9.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $19.7 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2023 to 2032, as per Allied Analytics LLP. Refrigerated containers are utilised in various industries, including the food and beverage sector. In the food and beverages sector, the fish and seafood industries are genuinely global. Its popularity has grown even more globally, with customers opting for a pescatarian diet for health reasons.
Read More »EDEKA is launching BOAHNANE bananas, marked with the WWF panda logo, to promote eco-friendly farming and better labour conditions. For over a decade, EDEKA and WWF have collaborated to promote sustainable and socially responsible banana cultivation. The joint banana program, which began in Ecuador and Colombia, has now expanded to Costa Rica and Cameroon.
Read More »The Russian government has officially added bananas to its list of national agricultural products. The relevant decree was posted on the official web portal for legal information. The document states: "The list of agricultural products, for which production, primary processing, and subsequent industrial processing are carried out by agricultural producers, as well as by research institutions, professional educational institutions
Read More »In week 28, banana prices in St. Petersburg varied based on brand, volume, quality, and packaging, ranging from USD 17.00 to USD 18.30 per box on a CIF basis. However, prices occasionally fell to USD 15.75 per box CIF due to weak demand in a market where local seasonal fruit was available in consistent volumes at competitive prices. Approximately 1.67 million boxes were discharged, and nearly 990,000 boxes are expected to arrive in the coming week. The exchange rate was 77.89 RUB for the USD. In the Mediterranean regions, Ecuadorian bananas were priced between USD 17.00 and USD 19.00 per box on a CIF basis. The exact price depended on factors including area, volume, brand, weight, and packaging. In comparison, bananas from Central America were sold for about USD 2.00 less per box CIF. In Algeria the price was USD 22.00 per box CIF. In the Free Zone of Mersin, the price for re-exported Ecuadorian bananas ranged from USD 19.00 to USD 22.00 per box, depending on quality, volume, and weight. Similarly, bananas from Central America were approximately USD 2.00 less per box. Although demand has increased slightly, Iranian traders have been less active in the market. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 40.07 TL.
Read More »Colombia's agricultural sector is being advised to take precautions based on climate forecasts for the rest of 2025. According to the June Agroclimatic Bulletin from the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (Upra), there is a 41% chance that La Niña could form by late 2025, bringing heavier rainfall and potentially affecting around 260,000 hectares of crops between June and November. Bananas, plantains, cocoa, avocado, coffee, corn, potatoes, and various vegetables are especially at risk.
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