Ecuador banana exports rise 5.5% in H1 2026
The Ecuador-China Free Trade Agreement improved competitiveness by reducing the tariff on Ecuadorian bananas from 10% to 7% in 2026.
ECUADOR – Ecuadorian banana exports have increased by 5.5% year-on-year to over 210 million boxes during the first half of 2026, driven by higher production and stronger demand from core markets, including the European Union and Russia.
According to the Association of Banana Marketing and Export of Ecuador, the European Union remained Ecuador’s largest export destination, accounting for 33% of total shipments between January and June.
Russia represented nearly 21% of exports, followed by the Middle East at 15% and the US at 11%. The EU recorded the strongest volume growth, with imports increasing 13% year-on-year while exports to Russia rose approximately 10%, and shipments to South American markets increased 9%.
Furthermore, ACORBANEC attributed the export growth to improved production conditions during the first half of the year, with bunch bagging increasing nearly 2%, supported by normal crop development, higher yields per bunch, and additional banana acreage entering commercial production.
However, the organization cautioned that heavy rainfall and flooding in the producing provinces of Los Ríos, Guayas, and El Oro, together with ongoing El Niño conditions, continue to pose risks to banana production during the remainder of the year.
Ecuador also expanded banana exports to China, with shipments up about 2% on the same period in 2025. ACORBANEC attributed the growth to lower banana production in several Asian countries, including the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China, due to adverse weather and phytosanitary challenges.
In addition, the Ecuador-China Free Trade Agreement improved competitiveness by reducing the tariff on Ecuadorian bananas from 10% to 7% in 2026.
On the other hand, exports to the US declined 9%, while shipments to East Asia fell 8% primarily due to lower demand from Japan and South Korea. Africa posted the largest regional decline, with exports falling 44% after Ecuador lost market access in Algeria.
Meanwhile, Ecuadorian banana exports to the Middle East increased nearly 12% during the first six months, led by a 59% increase in shipments to Türkiye and a 24% increase to Saudi Arabia.
Despite stronger demand, conflict in the region has disrupted logistics. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and vessel service suspensions have increased freight and insurance surcharges and delayed shipments.
Finally, the export association continues to monitor weather developments in Ecuador and logistical conditions in international markets as both factors could influence export performance during the second half of 2026.
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