Colombia banana exports expected to fall 5% in 2026 after heavy rains

BOGOTA — Colombia’s banana exports are expected to fall 5% in 2026 after heavy rains flooded plantations in the northwestern Uraba region, an industry official said, following a record 2025 performance.

The sector exported a record 133 million 20-kilogram boxes last year, driven by favorable weather and higher productivity, making Colombia the world’s fourth-largest exporter.

Flooding hit 1,200 hectares of banana plantations in the Uraba region during the first two months of 2026, reducing expected output, Emerson Aguirre, president of the banana growers association said.

Colombia has 52,943 hectares planted with bananas across the country.

2025 export value jumped 27.6% to $1.31 billion as volume rose 22% and productivity climbed 21.6% through improved fertilization.

The European Union was the top market (65.8%), followed by the US (17.3%) and the UK (13.6%).

Bananas are Colombia’s third-largest agricultural export, supporting over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. — Reuters