Ecuadorian banana exports reached 181.43 million boxes between January and May 2026, according to the latest statistical report from the Association of Banana Traders and Exporters of Ecuador (Acorbanec).
The figure represents a 6.75% increase compared with the same period in 2025, when the sector exported 169.96 million boxes.
According to the report, prepared by Acorbanec’s Statistics Coordination Office, this growth was driven by higher production and sustained demand in key markets such as the European Union, Russia and the Southern Cone.
“Between week 41 of 2025 and week 9 of 2026, bagging increased by 1.17% compared with the previous cycle, which made it possible to anticipate a higher volume of fruit available for export,” said Richard Salazar, executive director of Acorbanec.
European Union remains the leading destination
The European Union remained the main destination for Ecuadorian bananas, accounting for 33.85% of total exports and recording growth of 14.82% during the period. This performance was driven by markets such as Spain, Italy, Poland, Finland and Slovenia.
Russia ranked second, with a 21.36% share and growth of 14.10%. It was followed by the Middle East, with 13.58%; the United States, with 11.14%; and the Southern Cone, with 6.76%, the latter posting a 10.08% increase.
By contrast, exports to the United States fell by 6.72%, while East Asia and Africa recorded declines of 7.48% and 50.67%, respectively. In the case of Africa, the drop was largely explained by the loss of Algeria as a destination market.
Logistical pressure in the Middle East
The geopolitical situation also affected export logistics to several countries in the Middle East.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the decision by several shipping lines to suspend calls at certain ports caused delays and an increase of between 300 and 600 dollars per container in freight and insurance costs,” explained Salazar.
RELATED NEWS: Ecuador and the United States sign trade agreement to boost Ecuadorian agri-exports
Despite this situation, growth in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with increases of 49.47% and 27.36%, respectively, partially offset declines in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman.
China grows amid lower Asian supply
Exports to China increased by 2.81%, in a context of lower production in competing Asian countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam.
According to Acorbanec, this growth is also partly linked to the trade agreement between Ecuador and China, which has progressively reduced the tariff on Ecuadorian bananas from 10% to 7% in 2026.
Guayaquil leads export logistics
In terms of logistics infrastructure, 51.85% of exported boxes were shipped through the ports of Guayaquil, while 28.02% moved through the deep-water port of Posorja and 20.13% through Puerto Bolívar, in Machala.
By company, UBESA remained the largest exporter, with a 12.67% share, followed by Reybanpac, with 6.27%, and Comersur, with 4.71%.
