Banana industry in Latin America and the Caribbean – statistics & facts
The banana industry in Latin America and the Caribbean plays a key role in the global market with bananas being a staple in agricultural production and regional exports. Countries like Ecuador, Brazil, and Guatemala stand out as leading producers, collectively producing tens of millions of metric tons annually. Latin American bananas have found their way to diverse markets across the world, particularly in the United States, and have become a common find on international shelves.
Bananas from Latin America and the Caribbean are found in various markets in the world, with the United States being the main country of destination for exports, followed by Russia, and the Netherlands. In 2024, the export value of bananas to the North American country reached over 1.9 billion U.S. dollars alone.
Banana production
Latin America and the Caribbean is the third largest banana-producing region worldwide, after Asia and Africa. Ecuador, Brazil, and Guatemala are among the leading producers worldwide. In 2023, the production volume of bananas and plantains in Latin America and the Caribbean reached over 41 million metric tons. Ecuador alone produced over eight million metric tons of bananas and plantains in 2022, while Brazil produced around 6.8 million metric tons and Colombia produced over five million metric tons.International banana trade
Ecuador is the leading exporter of bananas both regionally and worldwide. In 2024, the export volume of bananas from the South American country reached almost six million metric tons. Guatemala is the second largest exporter in Latin America and the Caribbean, reaching an export value of over a billion U.S. dollar that same year.Bananas from Latin America and the Caribbean are found in various markets in the world, with the United States being the main country of destination for exports, followed by Russia, and the Netherlands. In 2024, the export value of bananas to the North American country reached over 1.9 billion U.S. dollars alone.
