Banana producers in Latin America are demanding better pay to address production losses caused by extreme weather linked to the current El Niño event, according to the Fairtrade Foundation.
Banana producers in Latin America are seeking better pay to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis, particularly the effects of this year’s super El Niño event. Extreme weather conditions, including high winds in parts of Colombia—a key supplier to the UK—and heavy rainfall in Peru and Ecuador, are already disrupting production, according to the Fairtrade Foundation. In the Dominican Republic, farmers are bracing for drier and warmer conditions, which could further reduce yields and complicate agricultural efforts.
Fairtrade research highlights the impact of previous El Niño cycles, with productivity declines of 13% in the Dominican Republic, 22% in Ecuador, and 6% in Peru compared to the prior year. This year, exports from the Colombian Caribbean region have dropped significantly, falling 32% to $122m between July and September, with September shipments alone down 42% year on year. These figures underscore the growing economic strain on banana producers, who are calling for international markets to recognize production costs and support the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Why it matters
Banana producers in Latin America face production drops due to extreme weather, but regional averages must not be presented as country-level outcomes or as observed final 2026 results.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch for changes in ECLAC country or subregional projections in subsequent official updates.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.