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| AI Generated Image | The Philippines Regained spot as 2nd top exporter of Banana |
The Philippines has officially re-established itself as the world’s second-largest banana exporter following a dominant performance in 2025. According to preliminary data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, the country’s export volume surged by 26 percent year on year to reach 2.925 million metric tons. This significant rebound allowed the Philippines to overtake Colombia and distance itself from competitors like Costa Rica and Guatemala, reclaiming a global ranking it had not held since 2020.
The recovery marks a definitive end to a four-year slump between 2021 and 2024 when the industry was hampered by severe weather patterns and persistent pest infestations. These challenges previously disrupted both farm output and international supply chains, but the latest figures confirm a robust restoration of yield and export capacity.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque attributed this success to the resilience of local producers and the strategic impact of government-led industry upgrading. The Department of Trade and Industry remains committed to backing the sector through enhanced investment promotion and deeper integration into global value chains.
Beyond production recovery, trade liberalization played a critical role in sharpening the country’s competitive edge. Philippine bananas have benefited immensely from reduced or eliminated tariffs under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Philippines–South Korea Free Trade Agreement, making them more attractive in key Asian markets.
To sustain this momentum, the government is extending similar support to other high-value agricultural products while expanding incentives like Export-Oriented Enterprise certifications. These initiatives are designed to lower production costs and improve crop quality, ensuring the banana industry continues to serve as a vital pillar for rural employment and foreign exchange earnings.
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