Panamanian banana exports to grow

Panamanian banana exports are expected to end close to 21 million boxes for 2021, representing a 7 percent increase when compared to last year, according to the National Director of Bananas of the Ministry of Agricultural Development, Jose De La Lastra.

De La Lastra told El Capital Financiero that there are 8,000 hectares of bananas planted in the country, which generate around 8,000 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs, leaving more than $200 million in the country’s economy.

Among the main destinations are the Netherlands, the U.S., the UK, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Italy, and China.

Panama does not import bananas from any country, and the ones sold in foreign markets are of the highest quality and are proudly produced in Panama, says De La Lastra.