Banana
Bananas are a widely traded fresh fruit harvested from the Musa genus. They are typically exported in bulk, packed in mesh bags or cartons, and require careful handling to avoid bruising. Market supply is influenced by factors such as harvest cycles, logistics, and post‑harvest handling practices.
Prices, specifications and international trade for banana under HS 080390.
Banana Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Banana is quoted in USD/t at ECU. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Ecuador led reported banana exports in 2025, at $4.1B.
Compare banana exporting countriesBanana Specifications and Quality
Banana grading factors include Whole, Sound, and Clean.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for banana considers Whole, Sound, and Clean.
- Whole
Finger (individual banana) must be whole without missing sections.
- Sound
Free of rotting, deterioration or any condition that makes it unfit for consumption.
- Clean
Practically free of visible foreign matter and foreign smell or taste.
- Pest Free
Practically free of pests and pest‑caused damage affecting appearance.
- Moisture Control
Free of abnormal external moisture, except condensation after cold storage or modified atmosphere packaging.
- Firmness
Firm texture without damage from low temperatures.
- Bruise Free
Practically free of bruises.
- Shape
Free of malformation or abnormal curvature of the fingers.
- Pistil Removal
Pistils must be removed.
- Stalk Integrity
Stalk intact, without bending, fungal damage or desiccation.
- Crown Quality
Sufficient portion of crown with normal colour, sound and free of fungal contamination; cleanly cut, not bevelled or torn.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for banana include Rotting/Deterioration, Pest Damage, and Low Temperature Damage.
- Rotting/Deterioration
Any decay that renders the banana unfit for consumption.
- Pest Damage
Damage caused by insects or other pests affecting appearance.
- Low Temperature Damage
Cold injury manifested as discoloration or tissue breakdown.
- Bruising
Visible bruises on the peel or flesh.
- Malformation/Abnormal Curvature
Deviations from normal shape or curvature of the fingers.
- Fungal Damage
Presence of fungal growth on stalk, crown or peel.
- Desiccation
Drying out of the stalk or crown.
Certifications
Certifications documented for banana include Codex Standard and GlobalGAP. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- Codex Standard
International food standards for quality and safety of fresh bananas.
- GlobalGAP
Good Agricultural Practices certification for banana production.
Banana Facts and HS Code
Banana belongs to fresh fruit within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 080390.
Banana HS Code
| Also known as | Bananas |
|---|---|
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Fresh |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Fresh fruit — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 080390 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | ECU |
Production & Handling
Banana storage guidance: Ventilated, dry storage away from direct sunlight and ethylene sources
Production and Storage
| Perishability | High |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | 14 days |
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Ventilated, dry storage away from direct sunlight and ethylene sources |
| Processing steps |
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Packaging
Typical banana packaging includes Bunches, Cardboard Boxes, and Shrink‑wrap.
- Bunches
Bananas are commonly packed in natural bunches, often wrapped in protective film.
- Cardboard Boxes
Standard export packaging using ventilated cardboard boxes to protect the bunches.
- Shrink‑wrap
Plastic shrink‑wrap applied to bunches for moisture retention and handling ease.
Uses & Risks
Banana is used in .
End Uses
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Panama disease (Fusarium wilt) DiseaseHigh A soil-borne fungal disease that attacks banana plants, leading to wilting and crop loss. It spreads through contaminated soil and planting material. | Use disease‑free planting material, rotate crops, and apply soil fumigation or biological controls where permitted. |
Deforestation linked to plantation expansion SustainabilityHigh Expansion of banana plantations can lead to forest loss, biodiversity decline, and carbon emissions. | Adopt certified sustainable sourcing standards, enforce zero‑deforestation commitments, and support agroforestry practices. |
Drought stress ClimateMedium Insufficient rainfall or irrigation can reduce banana yields and affect fruit size and quality. | Adopt efficient irrigation systems, select drought‑tolerant varieties, and manage water resources sustainably. |
Microbial contamination Food safetyMedium Bananas can be contaminated by bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria during handling and storage, especially if temperature control is inadequate. | Implement strict hygiene protocols, rapid cooling, and regular microbial testing of batches. |
Cold‑chain breakage LogisticsMedium Improper temperature control during transport can accelerate ripening and lead to spoilage. | Maintain refrigerated containers at recommended temperatures, use real‑time temperature monitoring, and minimize transit times. |
Banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) PestMedium An insect that damages banana plants by feeding on the pseudostem, reducing yield and quality. | Monitor fields with pheromone traps, apply integrated pest management, and use resistant cultivars. |
Import phytosanitary restrictions PolicyLow Regulatory measures may restrict banana imports to prevent the entry of pests and diseases. | Ensure compliance with importing country phytosanitary requirements, provide certified pest‑free documentation, and maintain traceability. |
Banana Questions
- What are the grading specifications for bananas?
- Bananas are classified into classes such as “Extra” which must be of superior quality and meet strict visual and physical criteria. In all classes the bananas must be whole, sound, clean, practically free of pests, free of abnormal external moisture, bruises, low‑temperature damage, and must have pistils removed with the stalk intact.