Ecuador Expands Banana Exports to Middle East

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador, Oct. 30, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Ecuador has expanded its banana exports to the Middle East, making it the third-largest export market for the country's renowned fruit. According to the latest trade figures through August 2026, the Middle East now accounts for 14% of Ecuador's banana shipments, surpassing the United States (10%) and trailing only the European Union (30.5%) and Russia (22%).

This market share represents 14.31 million boxes of bananas, a 3.55% increase from the previous year. The overall banana exports from Ecuador during the same period amounted to 282 million boxes, valued at $3 billion, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Turkey currently ranks as the largest regional buyer of Ecuadorian bananas, taking in 5.5 million boxes through August. Saudi Arabia follows closely with 5.52 million boxes, with Jeddah serving as a key entry port for the fruit.

The Association of Ecuadorian Banana Exporters (AEBE) has been instrumental in driving this growth. José Antonio Hidalgo, the Executive Director of AEBE, emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards to meet the demands of the Middle Eastern market.

The signing of a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates is expected to further boost Ecuador's banana exports to the Middle East. This agreement will provide duty-free access to the Persian Gulf after high-level diplomatic outreach, including an official visit by President Daniel Noboa.

To sustain this momentum, Hidalgo advocates for continued high-level diplomatic engagement alongside joint public-private trade delegations.

Hidalgo also underscored the importance of securing a presence at leading food and agriculture trade fairs across the Middle East to maximize trade ties with the region. The focus on these markets reflects Ecuador's commitment to diversifying its export portfolio and strengthening its position in the global banana market.