Costa Rica's banana exports have dropped by 24% and values have slumped by 27% following drought conditions in the first two months of the year, website Elfinancierocr.com reported.

Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer) data shows total banana exports for January and February at 242,384 metric tons (MT), reaching a value of US$88 million.

National Banana Corporation (Corbana) general manager Jorge Sauma, explained that the drought, and in some instances drops in temperature, had caused the decreased yields, the story reported.

Plantations have been affected by a difficult climate since late last year.

Banana exports have fallen mainly to European countries like Germany and Sweden, but have increased to destinations such as Russia and Spain, according to data from Procomer.

However, last year Costa Rica earned record exports of about US$803 million.

Photo: Bananaspot.com

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