Global Banana Report

Current state of bananas worldwide, with history and data. Version 1.0, updated

Global production 2023, ~139.3 million tonnes Global exports 2023, ~19.3 million tonnes Largest exporter 2023, Ecuador by value

Executive summary. Bananas are the most produced fruit by volume, demand is steady, export flows are concentrated, and disease and weather risks continue to shape margins. Asia leads production, Latin America dominates exports, Europe and North America remain key import markets.

1. Production by region

Asia leads total output, Latin America and the Caribbean are significant in both production and exports, Africa grows with regional consumption, and Oceania remains small in volume.

Global production 2023

Global banana production in 2023 139.3M t FAO production, bananas, 2023

Takeaway. Output reached about one hundred thirty nine million tonnes in 2023, with India, China, and Indonesia among the top producers.

View notes
  • Bananas refer to dessert bananas, plantains are tracked separately in many datasets.
  • Country rankings vary by whether plantains are included, this series focuses on bananas.

2. Trade and pricing

Export volumes center on a handful of origins that serve the United States, the European Union, and East Asia. Prices move with supply conditions, freight costs, and currencies.

Export corridors

Ecuador Guatemala Costa Rica Philippines Colombia United States European Union East Asia Ecuador to United States Guatemala to European Union Costa Rica to European Union Philippines to East Asia Colombia to United States Ecuador Guatemala Costa Rica Philippines Colombia United States European Union East Asia Corridor weight largest medium smaller

Why it matters. A limited set of origins supplies most global demand, bottlenecks in these routes can shift prices quickly.

Global export volume, 2021 to 2023

World banana export volumes 2021 to 2023 2021 2022 2023 20.4M t 19.1M t 19.3M t FAO market review series

Takeaway. After a decline in 2022, export volumes stabilized in 2023 near nineteen million tonnes.

3. Supply chain

Cold chain integrity, port handling, and container capacity shape landed quality and price. Contracting and certification affect buyer mix and margins.

  • Input costs and fertilizer availability influence yields and unit costs.
  • Port congestion and freight rates create short term price swings in key corridors.
  • Certification schemes and retailer standards influence access to premium markets.

4. Risks and diseases

Tropical Race 4 in Cavendish plantations, weather shocks, labor actions, and trade policy are the key risks. Diversifying cultivars and improving biosecurity reduce exposure, transitions take time.

Why it matters. Once farmland is contaminated with TR4, management is challenging and costly, biosecurity protocols and resistant material are critical to maintain output.

5. Sustainability and certifications

Water use, land footprints, and pesticide regimes are under scrutiny. Third party certifications support market access, buyers expect traceability and proof of practice.

  • Soil health and integrated pest management lower losses and improve resilience.
  • Worker conditions and wages influence brand risk and compliance costs.
  • Traceability systems support recalls and due diligence in destination markets.

6. History of bananas

Bananas were domesticated in Southeast Asia, they spread across the tropics through trade and migration. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, vertically integrated export companies linked plantations, rail, and shipping between Central America, the Caribbean, and consumer markets. The Gros Michel cultivar dominated early trade, Panama disease devastated it, Cavendish replaced it in export markets. This path dependency explains current cultivar concentration and risk exposure.

Context. The transition to Cavendish solved one disease challenge, it concentrated genetic risk. Current breeding and biotech investments aim to improve resistance and maintain dessert quality.

7. Outlook and scenarios

Base case

Stable demand in high income markets, modest growth in Asia and Africa, steady trade volumes with seasonal swings, prices track costs.

Upside

Improved disease management and logistics efficiency reduce losses, certification uptake widens, margins improve on better quality and fewer claims.

Downside

Severe weather or wider TR4 spread tightens export supply, freight spikes return, consumer prices rise and promotions ease.

8. Methodology and notes

  • Production figures refer to bananas, plantains are separate in many statistics series.
  • Top exporter values reflect HS 0803 trade, which can include plantains depending on reporting, re-exports can raise totals for European hubs.
  • Export volume series aligns with FAO market reviews and customs totals after adjustments.

9. Sources and further reading

  1. FAO, Crops and livestock products, bananas, production and yield series.
  2. FAO Banana Market Review, global market and trade volumes.
  3. UN Comtrade and World Integrated Trade Solution, HS 0803 trade values and partners.
  4. FAO TR4 Global Network, disease and risk context.
  5. Peer reviewed literature on cultivar resistance and breeding for TR4 tolerance.

Figures reflect the most recent public releases available at publication, trade values may reflect re-exports in European hubs.

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