China lifts ban on banana, mango exporters

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s improving relationship with China has immediately taken effect on local fruit exporters.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Chinese President Xi Jinping has lifted the suspension of 20 banana and six mango exporters from the Philippines.

“So they can now resume exporting to China,” he said.

Lopez declined to identify the exporters.  He said export value coming from these exporters prior to their suspension is still being checked as of press time.

China in March this year destroyed 35 tons of bananas from the Philippines valued at $33,000 which led to the suspension of 27 exporters.

The bananas were destroyed in Shenzen, a major entry point for Philippine bananas, after notifications of non-compliance.

Banana exports to China last year stood at 448,000 metric tons valued at $157.5 million.

At present, the Philippines is the second largest producer of bananas worldwide and continues to supply 95 percent of the total banana demand for the Asian market.

Lopez said President Duterte’s successful state visit and several pro-China remarks have led to renewed friendship with China and the Philippines.

The renewed ties, he said, is expected in result in improved trade and investment partnership between both countries.