Ecuadorian banana exports increased by nearly 10 percent in January

Ecuador’s banana exporters have kicked off 2026 on a high note. 

According to ACORBANEC, the country’s top banana export association, the local industry shipped around 36 million 40-pound boxes in January, representing a vibrant 9.7 percent surge that translates into 3.2 million more boxes than the same month last year.

Higher production drives banana export growth

The association credits this impressive growth mainly to a boost in national production, fueled by a 1.4 percent uptick in bagging during weeks 41 and 45 of 2025. Ideal weather also promoted fruit development, boosting bunch yields and encouraging planting expansion across new acres.

Beyond favorable weather and rising production, a dip in banana supplies from rival Central American nations in 2025 and the start of 2026 further fueled global appetite for Ecuadorian bananas.

Market growth and format expansion mark the season

The European Union remained the main market for Ecuadorian bananas, accounting for 34.4 percent of total exports (12.6 million boxes). The destination also saw a year-over-year growth of 15.6 percent.

Other key markets included Russia, with a 22 percent share and 24.5 percent growth; the United States, which holds nearly 15 percent of the market with a 15.3 percent growth; and the Middle East, with 11.4 percent and 9.7 percent growth.

In the case of the US, the report notes that growth was also supported by the removal of the 15 percent additional tariffs on the country’s banana imports in November 2025.

According to ACORBANEC, the 22XU box dominated the scene, carrying 84.6 percent of all banana exports, while the 208 box followed with 10 percent. Organic bananas made up four  percent of the total, marking a healthy 1.8 percent rise from last year.

Guayaquil handles more than 50 percent of shipments

The productive area around the city of Guayaquil took center stage, managing more than half of Ecuador’s banana exports. The Port of Posorja and Puerto Bolívar in Machala handled the rest, with 26.5 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

A commanding 86 percent of the volume sailed out in containers, while the remainder traveled as breakbulk cargo on refrigerated ships.

UBESA (Dole) led the company's exports with a 13.8 percent share, followed by Reybanpac (six percent), Comersur (5 percent), Agzulasa (3.9 percent), and Frutadeli (3.4 percent). By brand, Dole ranked first with 16 percent of total exports, followed by Chiquita (5.9 percent) and Global Village (5.2 percent).

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