Workers prepare bananas for export at a plantation in Kampot province. Post Staff
While Cambodia earned nearly $140 million from exporting fresh bananas during the first 11 months of 2024, the figure represents an almost 10% decline on the same period in the previous year. An industry insider put the decline down to two factors: unfavourable weather conditions and falling banana prices.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), from January to November 2024, the Kingdom exported $138.71 million worth of fresh bananas, down 11.2% from the $156.2 million seen during the same period in 2023.
China imported the lion’s share of the crop, accounting for 94.7% of the exports, valued at approximately $131.41 million. Smaller markets included Japan with $5.91 million (4.28%), Vietnam with $0.98 million (0.71%), South Korea with $0.33 million (0.24%) and Thailand with $0.04 million (0.03%).
Hun Lak, director of Longmate AgriCulture Co., told The Post on January 3 that the decline in exports was driven by two factors: first, unfavourable weather conditions led to reduced yields, and second, a 10% drop in banana prices. He mentioned, however, that overall international demand for Cambodian bananas has remained stable.
He emphasised that while demand is steady, the primary issue has been the weather conditions that have affected the banana harvest in 2024, resulting in a lower yield than in 2023.
For 2024, the price of a carton of fresh bananas (weighing about 13.5 kilogrammes) ranged between $10 and $11 early in the year, but by mid-year, the price had fallen to between $8 and $9. This marked a 10% decline compared to 2023.
Lak also pointed out that Cambodia’s “green” banana variety is known for its distinctive qualities.
He described them as “especially delicious” and explained that they cannot remain on the tree for too long, requiring harvesting when still green. They can be transported long distances and last up to two months after being harvested.
Lor Vichet, vice-president of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association (CCCA), noted that although he is unsure of the exact prices for Cambodian bananas in international markets, he is aware that Cambodia is making significant efforts to expand and strengthen its agricultural production.
He noted that recent investments in the agricultural sector and the improvement of banana varieties are expected to boost Cambodia's agricultural export volumes in the future.
He added that the export of bananas will continue to grow in the coming years, as Cambodia transitions its agriculture from family-based to industrial production.
In 2023, Cambodia exported approximately 290,000 tonnes of fresh bananas, a 21% decrease compared to 2022. The provinces with the highest banana production include Ratanakiri, Kratie, Stung Treng, Kampot, Kampong Cham and Kampong Speu, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
