June 13 2007, 17:20

Banana export from Ecuador keeps on declining

Bad weather and seasonal decline of banana harvesting have reduced export shipments from Ecuador recent weeks. According to information FreshPlaza.com, banana shipments have been reducing since 19th week of the current year when around 1.56 mln. boxes were exported. The export declined down to 1.46 mln. boxes in the following week, and down to 1,4 mln. boxes on the 21st week. To the experts' opinion, banana shipments from Ecuador will keep on declining in the nearest future because of the considerably decreased daily temperature, which leads to the slowdown of banana harvesting.

Despite of the declining banana export, the prices for this product are relatively low: the thing is, the main countries-consumers are located in the Northern hemisphere, where the supply and consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries of the local origin are growing now. This fact traditionally results in the decline of consumption of bananas and other exotic fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, kiwi, etc.)

""Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal" informs, in June banana import to Ukraine and Russia traditionally declines 25-35% comparing to May data; the import decline often exceeds 40% in August comparing to the volumes recorded in May. According to the data of the official statistics, banana import to Ukraine in 2006 amounted to 272,000 tons worth to the sum of 371 mln. UAH (around $74.2 mln.)