The Philippines has regained its rank as the world’s second-largest banana exporter in 2025, after shipments rose to 2.925 million metric tons — a 26% increase from a year earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Wednesday (Feb. 4).
Preliminary data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) show the country overtook Colombia and widened its lead over Costa Rica and Guatemala, restoring the Philippines’ global No. 2 position last held in 2020.
The rebound reverses four years of declining exports from 2021 to 2024, when pest infestations and adverse weather disrupted production and trade.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the recovery highlights both industry resilience and the results of continued government support under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..
“Reclaiming second place globally underscores the resilience of our farmers and the strength of our trade strategy. With this, the DTI remains committed to sustaining this momentum through industry upgrading, investment promotion, and deeper integration into global value chains to strengthen the sector’s long-term competitiveness. Through our different programs, we continue to support the banana industry alongside other agricultural products to make them export-ready,” she said.
A key driver of export growth has been the Philippines’ use of major trade agreements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Philippines-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. These deals have reduced or eliminated tariffs, giving Philippine bananas a price advantage in important Asian markets.
Roque said the DTI aims to replicate this success for other high-value crops such as mangoes and ube. The agency’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) is holding “Doing Business in Free Trade Areas” (DBFTA) seminars to guide farmers in securing Certificates of Origin needed for zero-tariff access.
The EMB has also expanded the issuance of Export-Oriented Enterprise (EOE) certifications to qualified banana exporters. These certifications allow firms to source production inputs at lower cost, helping improve quality and global competitiveness.
DTI noted that the banana industry remains a major source of rural jobs and foreign exchange. By restoring its global standing, the Philippines strengthens rural livelihoods and reinforces its reputation as a reliable agricultural exporter.