Ecuador’s banana industry takes advantage of the an opportunity for free trade to boost volumes China

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With Ecuador’s brand new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China goes into effect and is in effect, Ecuador’s South American country’s banana industry will be keen to expand exports to the Asian country. Jorge Alex Serrano, from Jasafrut located within El Guabo, El Oro in Ecuador states: “This FTA will eventually alter the way our industry trades with China and move from a spot market and long-term contracts. “He states that they are excited about an opportunity to grow the volume of sales and volumes to China. But, this is one that is far distinct from Europe. “China has signed an FTA arrangement with Ecuador and their tariffs is expected to be cut every year. It is a great chance for us to grow our economy. What is different from the EU is the fact that China is mostly an open market, unlike Europe that has long-term contracts, meaning that we have the ability to depend entirely on this market. It is my opinion that this could change.” serrano explains Serrano. Jasafrut exports brands of bananas such as Equapak and Pacific Bananas.

He claims that the 2024 year is more hot, and with greater temperatures. It’s great for production of bananas however it also brings additional issues. “This 2024, we experienced an extremely hot summer with hot temperatures that are good for banana production. However, when temperatures reach temperatures that are at risk for several days, plants are subjected to stress, which impacts the quality as well. This has been our experience over the last two years and the consequences are very costly financially. As of now, production isn’t at norm yet. The production is still very low” says Serrano.

Furthermore, the burden of disease and difficulties have increased in Ecuador. “Lately an additional issue is the two recent threats we face, the fungal fungus FOC R4 (Fusarium Oxysporum) and more recently, the bacterium MOKO (Ralstonia Solanacearum R2). Some regions are which are being lost in the areas of Ecuador as well as an increase. The volume of the fields will decrease that are available in the near future should we not take action in the time we need to,” emphasises Serrano.


It is believed that the Ecuadorian banana sector will attend Asia Fruit Logistica again. Come visit them in Booth 3-3F02.


More information is available here:

Jorge Alex Serrano

Jasafruit

Tel: +593 7-295-0469 Ext: 100

Email: [email protected]

www.equapak.com.ec

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies