Strong performance in Russia, Europe and the Middle East lifted shipments
Ecuadorean banana exports grew 3.9 per cent to 378.41mn boxes in 2025 according to the Association of Ecuadorean Banana Exporters (Aebe). In its the annual performance review it noted that after stronger momentum in the first half of the year, growth moderated and stabilised toward year-end at around 3 per cent.
The sector’s performance in 2025 showed two clearly defined phases. The first half of the year concentrated the main growth drivers, with April and June standing out as key months, recording year-on-year increases of 3.27mn and 3.98mn boxes, respectively, pushing cumulative growth to its peak of 5.41 per cent in June. From the third quarter onward, export momentum softened and cumulative growth declined to 3.33 per cent by September. From that point, growth stabilised during the final quarter, allowing the year to close with sustained expansion of around 3.5 per cent.
By destination, growth during the year was highly concentrated. Russia, the European Union and the Middle East accounted for most of the cumulative increase.
“Russia consolidated its position as the main growth engine, with annual growth of +14.99 per cent and a contribution of +2.74 percentage points, followed by the European Union (+8.96 per cent, +2.61 pp) and the Middle East (+11.74 per cent, +1.62 pp),” Aebe said.
“In contrast, Africa was the main drag, with a sharp contraction (-68.36 per cent) subtracting -4.06 pp, along with declines in Central Asia, the UK and Oceania. This confirms that 2025 growth was driven more by the performance of key markets than by a broad-based improvement in global demand.”
Aebe noted that the close of 2025 was marked by a complex environment. “Throughout the year, the sector faced trade restrictions – such as the loss of the Algerian market – tariff tensions with the US, episodes of slowing European demand mid-year, and production challenges linked to climate variability,” the association said.
“In addition, in December, the presence of Fusarium TR4 in Ecuador was confirmed, immediately triggering emergency phytosanitary measures, enhanced biosecurity controls, and a strong institutional and technical response.
“While this event increased uncertainty, the coordinated public-private response made it possible to contain the impact and close the year without a significant disruption to export flows.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Aebe said prospects point to growth of around 2 per cent, supported by the sector’s resilience and the strength of markets such as Russia, the European Union and Asia.
However, it predicted that performance will be conditioned by phytosanitary risks, climate events, insecurity and persistent logistical bottlenecks.
“In this context, product differentiation, destination diversification, technological adoption and a strong focus on sustainability will be key to maintaining the competitiveness of Ecuadorean bananas in an increasingly demanding international environment,” it concluded.
