Ecuador significantly increased its banana exports to Italy, Russia, and Japan last year, while shipments dropped to China, Turkey and Belgium. 

Total shipments from the world's leading banana-exporting country during 2016 ended up 2% higher year-on-year at 6.2 million metric tons (MT), according to figures from the Central Bank of Ecuador.

Russia, the U.S. and Germany kept their position are the largest importers, collectively receiving half of Ecuador's exports.

Shipments to Russia rose last year by 7% to 1.4 million MT, while the U.S. received 4% less with 974,000MT and Germany imported 1% more with 723,000MT.

Substantial year-on-year declines were seen in Turkey, which took 50% less with 242,382MT, while Belgium and China received 27% less, taking 205,280MT and 191,512MT respectively.

The biggest increases were seen to Italy (+133%, 384,308MT) and Japan (+54%, 161,399MT). These two countries are also where Ecuador has seen its market share grow the most over recent years, currently standing at 6% and 3% respectively.

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