Ecuador banana sector pushes for fair prices amid 5.5% export growth

Ecuador’s banana exporters are urging European supermarket chains to adopt fair‑price purchasing schemes, arguing that current shelf prices of under €1 per kilo do not cover the sector’s higher production costs, sustainable practices, decent wages and social benefits. José Antonio Hidalgo, executive director of the Asociación de Exportadores de Banano del Ecuador (AEBE), said only Aldi Süd has moved to a fair‑price reference, while other retailers continue aggressive promotions that keep consumer prices artificially low.

At the same time, Ecuador’s banana shipments rose 5.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching 210.75 million boxes. The European Union remained the top destination with 33.44% of exports, followed by Russia (20.64%) and the United States (11.15%). Exports to the EU grew 13.2% and to Russia 10.6% during the period. Trade with China also increased 2.1% after a tariff cut reduced the duty from 10% to 7% under the new Ecuador‑China trade agreement. The sector highlighted ongoing climate risks from heavy rains and El Niño that could affect future production.