The Philippines is projected to rank second among the world’s biggest banana exporters in 2025, highlighting the growing role of agriculture in the country’s economy, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
FAO estimates that the Philippines likely shipped 2.93 million metric tons of bananas in 2025, up from 2.33 million metric tons in 2024. This is nearly a 26 percent increase in exports year on year and 14 percent of global banana shipments.
Ecuador is expected to remain the top exporter with 6.41 million metric tons, followed by the Philippines. Other major suppliers include Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
The FAO said the strong outlook reflects the Philippines’ recovery from production losses caused by plant diseases in recent years, including fusarium wilt tropical race 4. Investments in farms, particularly in areas like Cagayan Valley, helped boost output. These included government support such as organic fertilizers and other farm inputs provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture officials said the rebound is important for rural jobs and export earnings, as bananas are one of the country’s top farm exports. In 2024, the Philippines produced about 8.69 million metric tons of bananas, more than half of which were Cavendish bananas, the main variety shipped overseas.
To further improve earnings from banana exports, the government is pushing for better trade access. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Philippines applied in August 2025 to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major trade deal that cuts most tariffs among its 12 member countries.
Lower tariffs could make Philippine bananas more competitive, especially in key markets like Japan. Under the current Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, Philippine bananas face seasonal tariffs of 18 percent during warmer months and 8 percent during colder months. This has put local exporters at a disadvantage compared with competitors that enjoy lower or zero tariffs.
For now, the Philippines is asking Japan to standardize banana tariffs at a lower rate to help local growers and exporters. Officials said Japan has responded positively, though discussions are still ongoing.
Overall, the FAO outlook suggests that stronger production, disease recovery, and improved trade access could further strengthen the role of bananas and other agricultural exports in supporting the Philippine economy.
