Quito, Mar 19 (Prensa Latina) Ecuadorian banana producers and exporters are working together today to mitigate the damage to the sector due to problems in selling the product to Russia and Ukraine.
In a statement, the Banana Marketing and Export Association (Acorbanec) explained the reasons for the inconveniences that are already causing considerable losses to the sector.
In this regard, the entity pointed out that 25 percent of Ecuadorian fruit exports are destined for these two European countries, which are experiencing a war conflict.
As explained by the body, currently 60 percent of the bananas destined for Russia (around one million boxes) cannot be exported due to factors such as delayed payments, reduced purchase volume or cancellation of contracts. by importers of the European nation.
Other difficulties are related to logistical issues, due to the decision of several shipping companies not to transport the fruit to Russia, due to the high congestion of containers in the different European ports where transshipments are made to Saint Petersburg.
Additionally, banana exports to Ukraine (180,000 boxes per week) have been suspended since the beginning of the conflict, last February, which has prevented sales or relocation to other destinations.
To mitigate the problems, Acorbanec is holding talks with the Prefectures of the Guayas, Los Ríos and El Oro provinces, as well as with other institutions so that they include the reception of the fruit in their feeding programs.
They also hope that the rest will be used as fertilizer for agricultural land due to its high potassium content.
Finally, the Association urged consumers, supermarkets, international importers and all members of the chain to act accordingly.
al/scm
