Shipments from the Colombian Caribbean fell by 31.9 per cent between July and September
Banana production in the Colombian Caribbean region – which accounts for 40 per cent of the country’s total output – is facing a critical juncture, according to the Association of Banana Growers of Magdalena and La Guajira (Asbama).
It warned today that a combination of climate-related productivity losses, a decline in export earnings and an unfavourable exchange are undermining the economic sustainability of the industry and putting the livelihoods of more than 20,000 families in the departments of Magdalena, Cesar, and La Guajira at risk.
“Lower crop productivity, a consequence of climate-related issues, has reduced banana exports from the Colombian Caribbean and the income of its producers. Compounding this is the decline in the value of the US dollar, which means that each dollar earned from international sales translates into fewer Colombian pesos to cover production costs and maintain the plantations,” Asbama noted.
Between July and September 2026, the region’s exports fell from US$179.4mn to US$122.2mn compared to the same period last year – a decline of 31.9 per cent. In September alone, shipments were down 42.1 per cent year-on-year, with earnings dropping from US$70mn to US$40mn.
The impact on revenue is even more stark when comparing September 2025 to September 2026: the sector saw a shortfall of US$46mn. “In short, the combination of lower proceeds from international sales and a weaker dollar has significantly reduced the funds available to sustain banana production,” Asbama noted.
“Given the risks threatening the continuity of banana production, we are calling on international markets to foster commercial conditions that recognise actual production costs and contribute to the sector’s sustainability.”
Asbama said that banana prices had failed to adequately reflect the conditions and costs involved in their production for years. José Francisco Zúñiga Cotes, the association’s executive president, said: “Today, support from markets in Europe and the US is essential for our producers to maintain their crops and to protect the livelihoods of more than 20,000 families who depend on this activity”.
The appeal is particularly significant given the major challenges facing banana production across Latin America, including climatic conditions and pressures on supply chain costs. Asbama said the sustainability of the supply also depends on markets recognising the conditions necessary to maintain production in the regions of origin.
