Ecuador’s banana exports increase despite liquidity issues

Ecuador’s banana shipments climbed 6.5% during the first four months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, reaching 135.7 million boxes. These figures come amidst a global pandemic that has hit Ecuador’s banana-growing regions particularly hard.

Richard Salazar of exporter association Acorbanec said,

“We continue to export, despite seeing a reduction in demand on global markets, and once this crisis is over we are sure that our fruit will have a great position in the world market. We hope to exceed 2019 shipments, both in volume and value.”

However, all is not well within the sector, with exporters calling for urgent government help to provide liquidity to the sector, which has been severely affected by late- or non-payment from importers in key markets. In particular, Acorbanec is calling for a reduction in taxes and more flexible purchasing contracts.