Local media reports that according to PBGEA (Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association) the production of bananas for the 1st quarter of 2023 is lower than that of the 1st quarter of 2022. This points to another difficult year for the banana sector. In 2023, the exported volume may not reach 2 million tons and the revenue may not reach USD 1 billion, according to PBGEA.

 

In 2022 the Philippines had exported 2.273 million tons of bananas with a value of 1.096 billion USD. In 2021 the exported volume reached 2.432 million tons for a value of 1.138 billion USD. In 2019, the exported volume reached 4.35 million tons for a value of 1.95 billion USD.

 

The Philippines lost its position as the world's second-largest banana exporter to Guatemala, which exported 2.45 million tonnes in 2022.