Banana Market Outlook: Cambodia’s Exports Rise Amid China Deal, Stable Prices in 2025

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The global banana market is at a strategic turning point as Southeast Asian suppliers, particularly Cambodia, move to capitalize on rising Chinese demand. A recently signed US$30 million MoU between Cambodian enterprises and Chinese importers in Henan is set to reshape regional banana, mango, and durian flows. This high-level agreement strengthens bilateral economic ties and targets expanded market access under frameworks like RCEP and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. For Cambodia, bananas—already approved for Chinese import—are a focal point for export growth. This deal, if implemented well, would bring long-term benefits to Cambodian farmers and diversify income sources, but challenges persist.

Inadequate technology, production capacity, and irrigation infrastructure could limit supply increases, potentially holding back the full realization of this export opportunity. Meanwhile, the EU market continues to see stable spot prices for banana-derived products, with dried chips from Vietnam and the Philippines holding steady through September 2025. Looking forward, global weather and logistical factors remain crucial watchpoints; production disruptions in Latin America or Southeast Asia could swiftly tilt the balance. As the industry realigns supply chains, effective contract farming, robust post-harvest logistics, and compliance with quality standards will define large exporters’ ability to seize new demand waves—especially from an increasingly health-focused, price-sensitive Chinese consumer base.

📈 Prices: Latest Banana Market Rates

Product Origin Country/City Delivery Terms Organic Latest Price (EUR/kg) Prev. Price (EUR/kg) Update Date Market Sentiment
Banana dried chips (whole) Vietnam Hanoi, VN FOB No 3.53 3.53 2025-09-11 Stable
Banana dried chips (whole) Philippines Dordrecht, NL FCA Yes 2.79 2.79 2025-09-11 Stable
Banana dried chips (broken) Philippines Dordrecht, NL FCA No 1.77 1.77 2025-09-11 Stable
Banana dried chips (whole) Philippines Dordrecht, NL FCA No 2.3 2.3 2025-09-11 Stable

🌍 Supply & Demand Drivers

  • Cambodia-China MoU: Expected to ramp up banana and tropical fruit exports from Cambodia to China, supported by fresh government and private capital. If infrastructure and technology gaps are addressed, Cambodia could become a more significant supplier in Asia, adding pressure to other exporters.
  • Chinese Import Growth: China remains a dynamic and growing market for bananas, shifting demand eastward and supporting regional trade through policy frameworks.
  • Production Capacity Constraints: Cambodia’s need to improve irrigation, post-harvest handling, and supply chains may limit how quickly it can scale up exports. Contract farming and quality controls are top recommendations for sustainable growth.
  • Global Competition: The Philippines and Ecuador remain dominant but face logistic and labor challenges. Southeast Asian supply diversification reduces global risk.

📊 Fundamentals: Global Stocks & Trade Position

Country Role 2024 Production (est. Mt) Key Trade Partners
Ecuador Top exporter 6.7 EU, Russia, China
Philippines Major Asian supplier 4.3 Japan, China, Middle East, EU
China Top importer ~1.8 LatAm, SE Asia
Cambodia Emerging exporter 0.4 China, Vietnam, EU

Note: China is a net importer, relying on Southeast Asian supply especially for fresh and processed bananas.

☀️ Weather Outlook for Key Growing Regions

  • Southeast Asia (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia): Recent months have brought scattered rainfall and mild El Niño effects; no major disruptions yet reported. The forecast for the next three days suggests above-average temperatures and localized thunderstorms, but nothing of significant threat to major production zones.
  • Latin America (Ecuador, Costa Rica): Stable weather conditions persist, though close monitoring continues for potential late-season cyclones on the Pacific coast.
  • Impact: Continued favorable weather in leading regions supports stable short- to mid-term supply.

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • Expect stabilizing prices given ample global inventories and low current market volatility.
  • Watch for Cambodian export surges to China. Infrastructure upgrades or delays could impact regional spot prices quickly.
  • Monitor possible weather disturbances in Southeast Asia through October, as excessive rains could disrupt harvest or logistics.
  • Contract farming and strict post-harvest protocols will be vital for exporters aiming at the Chinese market.
  • European buyers should hedge with flexible sourcing from both Asia and LatAm to guard against unforeseen supply shocks.

⏩ 3-Day Regional Price Forecast (Key Exchanges)

Location Current Price (EUR/kg) 3-Day Forecast (EUR/kg) Sentiment
Hanoi, VN (FOB) 3.53 3.50–3.55 Stable
Dordrecht, NL (FCA, Non-Organic) 2.3 2.28–2.33 Stable
Dordrecht, NL (FCA, Organic) 2.79 2.77–2.81 Stable