Where does the US Import Bananas From? US Banana Imports Data 2024-25
US banana imports reached $3.23 billion in 2024-25, with 5.24 million tons imported. Explore where bananas come from in the US and key banana supplier countries.
In the world of international trade, bananas are a staple commodity that is constantly in demand. The United States is one of the largest consumers of bananas in the world, with import data for 2024-25 revealing interesting trends and patterns. According to the US import data and banana import data of the USA, the total value of US banana imports reached $3.23 billion in 2024, a 3% growth from the previous year. The US imported 5.24 million metric tons of bananas in 2024 and 1.28 billion kilograms of bananas in the first quarter of 2025, as per the US shipment data.
The bananas imported to US each year come from several tropical countries, making banana imports to US one of the most significant fruit trade flows globally. The nation is often cited as the biggest importer of bananas, relying heavily on suppliers from Latin America. Due to high domestic demand, banana imports US continue to rise, supporting both the American food industry and the economies of exporting countries.
The total value of US banana imports accounted for $813.17 million in the first quarter of 2025, as per the US banana import statistics. According to the global trade data, the US is the largest importer of bananas globally. In this article, we will delve into the details of US banana imports, exploring where the US imports bananas from and what factors drive these import decisions.
The Growing Demand for Bananas in the US
Bananas are a beloved fruit in the US, consumed by millions of Americans each year. The demand for bananas continues to grow, driven by their affordability, convenience, and nutritional benefits. As a result, the US relies heavily on banana imports to meet this demand, making it a key player in the global banana trade market. According to the latest import data for 2024-25, the US imported a staggering number of bananas from various countries around the world. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data and customs records also point to stable freight throughput across major entry ports like Philadelphia, Houston, and Wilmington, all of which handle substantial banana shipments year-round. These imports play a crucial role in ensuring a steady supply of bananas to meet consumer demand throughout the year.
US Banana Imports by Country: Where Does the US Import Bananas From?
US banana imports by country are a crucial aspect of the US economy when examining the sources of banana imports. Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the United States, with Americans consuming billions of pounds of bananas each year. But have you ever wondered where does the US import bananas from? The US primarily imports bananas from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Major banana-exporting countries to the US include Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Honduras. These nations have established themselves as key players in the global banana industry, providing a consistent supply of the fruit to meet the demands of the US import market. The top 10 countries from where the US imports bananas, as per the data on US banana imports by country and US import statistics for 2024-25, include:
1. Guatemala: $1.22 Billion (37.9%)
Guatemala is the largest exporter of bananas to the United States, accounting for nearly 38% of all banana imports, as per the data on US banana imports from Guatemala. The country's tropical climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for growing bananas, and Guatemalan bananas are prized for their sweetness and quality.
2. Ecuador: $649.08 Million (20.1%)
Ecuador is the second-largest supplier of bananas to the US, with a market share of over 20%, as per the data on US banana imports from Ecuador by HS code. Ecuadorian bananas are known for their large size and rich flavor, making them a popular choice among American consumers.
3. Costa Rica: $502.05 Million (15.5%)
Costa Rica is another major player in the US banana market, exporting over $500 million worth of bananas to the US each year. Costa Rican bananas are celebrated for their consistent quality and sustainability practices.
4. Colombia: $311.09 Million (9.6%)
Colombia is a significant source of bananas for the US market, accounting for nearly 10% of all banana imports. Colombian bananas are known for their bright yellow color and smooth texture.
5. Honduras: $257.05 Million (8%)
Honduras is a key player in the banana industry, supplying a large portion of the bananas consumed in the US. Honduran bananas are popular for their affordability and availability year-round.
6. Mexico: $214.37 Million (6.6%)
Mexico is also a noteworthy supplier of bananas to the US, with Mexican bananas being a favorite choice for their convenience and taste. Mexico's proximity to the US makes it a reliable source of fresh bananas.
7. Peru: $26.59 Million (0.8%)
Peru may be a smaller player in the US banana market, but its bananas are gaining popularity for their unique flavor profile. Peruvian bananas are known for their exotic taste and aroma.
8. Panama: $19.31 Million (0.6%)
Panama is a lesser-known source of bananas for the US market, but Panamanian bananas are highly regarded for their superior quality. Panama's bananas are prized for their rich flavor and texture.
9. Dominican Republic: $7.56 Million (0.2%)
The Dominican Republic may have a small market share in US banana imports, but its bananas are favored for their sweetness and juiciness. Dominican bananas are a nice alternative for consumers looking for something different.
10. Thailand: $5.28 Million (0.2%)
Thailand rounds out the top 10 banana suppliers to the US, with Thai bananas being a favorite choice for their distinctive taste and texture. Thai bananas are known for their firmness and unique flavor profile.
US Banana Imports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly US Banana Import Data
|
Year of Imports |
US Banana Import Value ($) |
|
2014 |
$2.56 billion |
|
2015 |
$2.59 billion |
|
2016 |
$2.63 billion |
|
2017 |
$2.75 billion |
|
2018 |
$2.82 billion |
|
2019 |
$2.75 billion |
|
2020 |
$2.79 billion |
|
2021 |
$2.80 billion |
|
2022 |
$2.89 billion |
|
2023 |
$3.14 billion |
|
2024 |
$3.23 billion |
|
2025 quarter 1 |
$813.17 million |
Major Suppliers of Bananas to the US
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Latin American Countries: Latin America has long been a major supplier of bananas to the US. Countries such as Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala are among the top exporters of bananas to the US, thanks to their favorable climate conditions for banana cultivation.
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Asian Countries: While Latin America dominates the US banana import market, Asian countries like the Philippines and Thailand also play a significant role in supplying bananas to the US. These countries have been increasing their banana exports to the US in recent years, catering to the growing demand for bananas.
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Caribbean Countries: Countries in the Caribbean region, such as Honduras and Belize, are also important suppliers of bananas to the US. These countries have a long history of banana cultivation and trade with the US, making them key players in the US banana import market.
Factors Influencing Banana Import Decisions
Several factors influence the US's decision on where to import bananas from. These factors include:
1. Price Competitiveness
Price competitiveness is a major factor that determines where the US imports bananas from. Countries that offer competitive prices and high-quality bananas are more likely to be chosen as suppliers.
2. Quality and Freshness
The quality and freshness of bananas are crucial considerations for importers. Countries that can guarantee high-quality bananas that meet US standards are preferred as suppliers.
3. Trade Agreements
Trade agreements between the US and the top banana-exporting countries also play a significant role in import decisions. Preferential trade agreements can make it easier and more cost-effective for certain countries to export bananas to the US.
U.S. Banana Imports: Overview 2024–25
Value & Volume Highlights
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U.S. banana imports were valued at approximately $3.2 billion in 2024, representing about 18.7% of global banana imports.
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By comparison, in 2023, U.S. banana imports totaled around $2.04 billion, up 4% from 2022.
Sources: Where the U.S. Gets Its Bananas
According to USDA ABS 2024 data, the United States’ major banana suppliers were:
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Guatemala — $1.06 billion
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Ecuador — $530 million
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Costa Rica — $438 million
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Colombia — $286 million
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Honduras — $224 million
Collectively, these five countries supplied roughly 75–80% of U.S. banana imports.
Market Share Breakdown
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Guatemala leads with 33% of the U.S. banana import value.
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Ecuador follows with 17%.
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Costa Rica, Colombia, and Honduras also play vital roles, each contributing $200M–$400M range totals.
US Banana Imports by Segmentation: Top Banana Varieties Imported into US
Looking at the market segmentation, there is clear evidence that organic banana imports are becoming a more significant part of the total volume. Though still a minority in terms of share, organic bananas have seen year-over-year growth rates between 8% and 12%, outperforming the conventional segment. Retailers & US banana importers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and major supermarket chains are expanding shelf space for organic bananas, and many food distributors have adjusted their sourcing strategies to reflect this demand. The major banana varieties that the US imports, as per the US banana import data for 2024-25, include:
Conventional Bananas
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Approx. import value: $2.14 billion
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Share of total imports: 86%
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Annual volume (estimate): 4.4–4.6 million metric tons
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Market characteristics:
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Stable year-round supply
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Price-sensitive, high-volume
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Shipped weekly with advanced cold-chain logistics
Organic Bananas
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Import value (Sept 2023 – Aug 2024): $360.5 million
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Share of total banana import value: 14%
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Growth rate (YoY): +10% in value, +8–12% in volume
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Retail market sales (2024): $492 million (up 16.1%)
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Price premium vs. conventional: 30% higher per box
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Market trend:
Fastest-growing banana segment as per the US organic banana import report. -
Strong demand in organic & sustainable retail channels
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Expected to exceed $400M in import value by 2025
USA Banana Import Trends & Outlook
Growth Patterns
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Imports increased in 2023 (4% by value) and likely continued upward into 2024, supporting growing U.S. consumer demand.
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Analysts project the US banana import values rising from $3.23 billion in 2024 to $3.45 billion by 2028, representing approximately 2% annual growth.
Factors Driving the US Banana Imports Growth
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Year-round consumer demand for fresh fruit.
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Stable supply from Latin American producers, especially convenience suppliers.
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Minimal domestic production, as the U.S. commercial banana farming is tiny (mostly in Hawaii and Florida).
Final Takeaways
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The U.S. remains the world’s number one banana importer, with a 2024 import value exceeding $3.2 billion.
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Guatemala is the single largest supplier, followed by Ecuador and Costa Rica.
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Imports are projected to grow steadily through 2028, keeping pace with demand and limited domestic output.
Conclusion and Final Word
In conclusion, the US banana imports data for 2024-25 highlight the importance of bananas in the US market and the diverse sources from which the US imports bananas. Latin American countries, Asian countries, and Caribbean countries are among the major suppliers of bananas to the US, each bringing its unique strengths to the table. As the demand for bananas continues to grow, understanding the dynamics of US banana imports is crucial for stakeholders in the banana trade industry.
Looking ahead into 2025, forecasts point toward continued growth in both banana import volumes and value. Market analysts expect the total US banana import value to increase to around $3.45 billion, based on current demand projections, pricing trends, and macroeconomic indicators. The growth will likely be incremental and steady, without sharp spikes, as the market is mature and stable.
We hope that you liked our insightful and data-driven blog report on the topic of US banana imports data 2024-25. For more insights into the latest US export-import data or to search live data on US banana imports by country, visit USImportdata. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in to get a customized database report along with a verified list of the top banana importers in the US, at your fingertips.
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