Philippine banana exports rise 37% in 2025 but remain far below 2020 peak

Philippine banana exports rose 37% to $1.37 billion in 2025 from $1.07 billion in 2024, yet remain 54% below the $3.6 billion recorded in 2020, highlighting a severe long-term decline. The Department of Agriculture has launched revitalization efforts, including an industry plan, bulk input purchasing through Food Terminal Inc., and proposed agreements for disease-resistant banana varieties to combat Fusarium wilt. A first shipment to New Zealand occurred in July. A revitalization bill pending in Congress aims to boost production and diversify markets, though tariff disadvantages persist, with Japan charging the Philippines 8-18% versus lower rates for Vietnam and Cambodia.