Bananas continue their good export streak in 2023 and in the 11 months from January to November, they sold 326.09 million boxes, 7.03% more than what was exported in the same period in 2022, according to the latest figures shared by Banana Marketing and Export Association of Ecuador (Acorbanec).

According to the report, the European Union is consolidated as the first destination for Ecuadorian fruit. Of the exported, 28.89% of the boxes were intended for that bloc as the main market, and 21.10% for Russia as the second largest destination.

Almost at the end of 2023, 66% of non-oil and mining exports are concentrated in China, the European Union and the United States

The third best destination is the Middle East with 14.79% of exports. It is followed by the United States with 9.15%, the Southern Cone (6.86%), East Asia (6.17%), Africa (5.69%), Central Asia (3.10%), Eastern Europe (1 .49%), United Kingdom (1.36%), Oceania -New Zealand- (0.95%), EFTA -Norway- (0.40%); Canada (0.003%) and other markets with 0.03%.

Africa is the market that has grown the most, and Canada has reduced purchases the most

The European Union also stands out among the main export increases with 20.25%, but Africa is the destination that has grown the most from January to November with 32.67%. Russia increased by 0.81%; United States 8.01%; Great Britain grew by 17.44%, East Asia (25.33%); Central Asia (1.01%), Oceania (23.41%).

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The decrease is also visible in the Middle East with 6.03% less; Southern cone with -4.39%; Eastern Europe with -37.53%, mainly due to a drastic decrease in exports to Ukraine due to the conflict with Russia, EFTA with -12.34% and Canada with -81.83%.

Ačorbanec also points out that the average price of bananas on the market is place It stood at $7.20 at the end of the 48th week, which is higher than the current minimum support price of $6.50.