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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The strategic megaproject in Urabá is expected to begin commercial operations in the second half of this year. Antioquia's governor, Andrés Julián Rendón, confirmed that Puerto Antioquia would generate 1,900 direct jobs and stimulate the creation of more than 800 companies, positioning it as one of Colombia's most important infrastructure projects.

AP Moller–Maersk (Maersk) has officially inaugurated its new logistics centre for packing and cold chain operations in Olmos, Peru. As Peru's fresh fruit exports continue to rise, driven by global demand, this facility is designed to deliver speed and freshness from the field to the port. Located in the Lambayeque region, Olmos has quickly become one of Peru's most dynamic agricultural zones.

On Tuesday, July 8th, Ecuador and the European Union signed a cooperation program in Quito that will allocate US$14 million to strengthen the police, the judicial system and other institutions in the fight against organised crime and violence in the Andean country. The agreement, called the Security, Hope and Resilience for Peace Program (Serpaz), seeks to improve the state's capacity to confront drug trafficking, money laundering and insecurity in the context of growing violence.

Fresh Del Monte's carbon neutral Zero pineapple exemplifies the company's commitment to sustainability, featuring an eye-catching black tag and third-party certification for sustainable growth. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and includes efforts such as using reusable containers for packing bananas in North America. Ana Cristina Fonseca, VP of Product Management for North America, emphasised that sustainability has been a core value of Del Monte from the outset.

More than 60 companies in Japan are utilising imperfect bananas, which would otherwise be discarded, to combat food waste. Dole Japan Inc., the leader of this initiative, has introduced a new product called "banana charcoal." This innovative charcoal has attracted attention not only for its unique visual appeal but also for its ease of use and versatility in various applications. Japan imports approximately 1 million metric tons of bananas annually. Dole Japan handles between 200,000 and 250,000 tons of bananas each year, but around 20,000 tons are discarded annually in the Philippines, a major banana producer—due to not meeting market standards.