Philippine Banana Exports See Promising Rebound in 2023

According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Philippines last year saw an increase in its banana exports for the first time in recent years, with over 2.3 million metric tons of the fruit shipped globally in 2023, up 3.4% from 2022. This reinforces the country’s position as Asia’s leading banana exporter, accounting for 60% of total shipments from the continent. In global terms, the Philippines ranked third in 2022, trailing only Ecuador and Guatemala.

Last year’s increase in banana exports from the Philippines was largely attributable to the expansion of emerging markets, particularly Iran and Saudi Arabia, for which shipments climbed by 60% and 12%, respectively. The industry’s efforts to contain the fungal disease Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (also known as Panama disease TR4), as well as rehabilitate 3,000–4,000 hectares of previously afflicted plants, also helped to boost export volumes.

As of February, Panama disease TR4 had affected 17,000–18,000 hectares of banana plants in the Philippines. In addition, exports were significantly impacted by the pandemic and its associated effects between 2020 and 2022.

Among Asian markets, where the Philippines continues to dominate the banana supply, Japan and China remained the primary export destinations. In both of these markets, however, logistical deficiencies in the Philippine banana sector are perceived as jeopardizing banana quality, resulting in a lower sales volume.

Last year, China imported 1.8 million metric tons of bananas, with half originating from the Philippines and Cambodia. Overall, China, the world’s third-largest banana importer, saw a 2.3% reduction in imports in 2023, driven by a lower worldwide supply.

Looking ahead, the FAO expects more favorable changes in the global banana market, but it remains concerned about the continued spread of Panama disease TR4 on account of its capacity to impact a wide range of banana cultivars and an ongoing lack of effective eradication measures.

Image: Pexels