Brazilian banana exports fall in July as competitiveness weakens

Brazilian banana exports lost momentum in July compared with June, pressured by weaker international demand and reduced competitiveness against Ecuadorian fruit. Data from Comex Stat show that Brazil shipped 3,200 metric tons of bananas in July, down 27% from the previous month. Export revenue also fell, dropping 15% month over month to R$1.5 million FOB.

According to data obtained by Datamar, Brazil exported 709 TEUs of bananas by sea in containers in the first half of 2026, up 21.1% year over year. The chart below shows the containerized export volumes:

Banana Exports | H1 | 2023-2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Much of the banana shipped from Brazil to countries in southern South America is produced in northern Santa Catarina. Growers in the region are currently facing marketing difficulties because fruit quality has been affected by the lower temperatures typical of this time of year.

At the same time, banana availability is lower because the region is in a period of reduced production. Winter conditions have weakened the competitiveness of Santa Catarina’s Nanica bananas — a Cavendish-type variety widely grown in Brazil — compared with Ecuadorian fruit, both because of their less attractive appearance to importers and because prices are higher due to limited supply.

Argentina demand weakens, Ecuador competition may rise

Although demand has fallen in Argentina, one of the main destinations for Brazilian bananas, shipments to the country were also affected by logistics constraints along the export route.

The Andes crossing, the main logistics corridor for moving fruit into the region, remained closed for about 30 days in July and August because of snow accumulation on the route between Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile. The disruption affected the movement of both Brazilian and Ecuadorian bananas.

With vehicle traffic gradually resuming in mid-August, the entry of Ecuadorian bananas into Argentina is expected to increase, raising competition in that market.

That could put further pressure on Brazilian banana prices and limit shipments in the coming months, especially as production in Santa Catarina is also expected to remain reduced.

For Brazilian banana exports, the next few months will depend on the recovery of fruit quality and supply in Santa Catarina, as well as the pace at which Ecuadorian bananas regain space in Argentina after the reopening of the Andes route.

Source: HF Brasil and Comex Stat

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