Banana Export from India: How to Export, Market Trends & Key Destinations
- ASHADHAN EXIM PVT LTD
- Aug 29, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Jan 29
India is the largest producer of bananas in the world, growing more than 30 million tonnes every year. Thanks to its good climate, farming practices, and wide variety of banana types, India plays a key role in banana production globally.
However, when it comes to Banana exports from India, its share is still small compared to its huge production. In 2024, Indian banana exporters exported bananas worth about US$359 million, which is only around 2.3% of the global banana trade.
This is because most of the bananas are consumed within India itself, and the export system is still developing. To improve this, the Indian government (through APEDA and Prohort) is working to expand banana exports and has set a target of reaching US$1 billion in exports within the next five years.
Having said this, as per Moneycontrol, Banana has become the top fruit export from India in 2025, replacing grapes, and the exports have increased nearly 7 times since 2018.
Key Takeaways & Overview In This Blog
Global Banana Market Trend and Export Worth
The global banana market is growing steadily due to more people consuming bananas, expanding international trade, and increased awareness about healthy eating.
Bananas have become one of the most traded fruits worldwide, and their demand keeps rising. Exports of bananas are also very profitable. According to the reports released by FAO, the banana exports in 2024 stood at 19.7 million tonnes, which was a 0.4% decrease from 2023.
Since bananas are available all year, can be grown in many regions, and have multiple uses, they hold strong potential as a product for international exports.
Top Banana Producing Countries in the World
The list of top banana-producing countries in the world includes:
India
China
Indonesia
Brazil
Ecuador
Philippines
Guatemala
Colombia
Thailand
Uganda
The banana market is mainly controlled by a few big countries, with India being the largest producer in the world.
India grows and exports different varieties of bananas like Cavendish, Robusta, and Red bananas, which are used both for local consumption and for export.
Other major producers include China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which mostly supply bananas to nearby regional markets.
On the other hand, countries like Brazil and Ecuador focus more on exports. Ecuador stands out as the biggest banana exporter globally, thanks to its strong supply chains and worldwide distribution network.
Top Countries Importing Bananas
Here is a complete list of the top banana-importing countries in the world:
United States
Germany
China
Japan
Netherlands
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
Poland
Russia
The biggest buyers of bananas are the United States, countries in the European Union, Japan, China, and Russia. These nations cannot grow enough bananas locally because their climates are not suitable, so they rely on imports to meet demand.
The growing focus on healthy eating and the fact that bananas are an easy, on-the-go snack have also increased their demand. To keep up with this, importing countries source bananas from multiple nations and use advanced supply chains to ensure they are always available.
Top Countries Exporting Bananas
Only a few countries are the main players in banana exports worldwide. Ecuador is the biggest exporter, thanks to its huge banana farms and strong export system.
Other countries like the Philippines, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Guatemala also export large amounts of bananas across the world. These nations have developed strong farming methods, packaging facilities, and transport systems, making it easy for them to supply bananas to different countries quickly and in good condition.
India, on the other hand, produces a lot of bananas but exports a smaller share compared to these leading countries. However, India’s banana exports are steadily increasing and have strong potential to grow further.
With its large-scale production, India can become a bigger player in the global banana export market in the coming years.
Top Banana Producing States in India
Bananas are grown in many states across India because the climate in different regions supports different varieties of the fruit. The main states that produce the most bananas are Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Tamil Nadu produces the highest quantity and also grows a wide range of banana types, used for both eating fresh and for processing.
Maharashtra and Karnataka also play a big role, especially with farms that focus on exports.
Since bananas are grown in different parts of the country with different weather patterns, India is able to harvest them throughout the year.
This makes it easier to meet the needs of people within the country while also increasing the chances of exporting more bananas in the future.
Which Countries Import Bananas From India?
India exports bananas to many countries around the world. The main markets include the Middle East(Iran, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia), Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the United States, Russia, and some nearby South Asian countries.
The Middle East and Gulf nations buy a lot because people there have a high demand and good purchasing power for tropical fruits. For these exports, Indian traders mostly send varieties like Robusta and Cavendish because they last longer during shipping.
Closer markets like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are easier to serve since they are nearby and have similar eating habits, making bananas a popular choice.
On the other hand, countries like the US and Russia are tougher markets because they have strict rules for quality.
How To Export Bananas From India. Step-By-Step Process
Exporting bananas from India requires careful planning, quality handling, and strict compliance with export procedures. Since bananas are perishable in nature, attention to sourcing, packaging, and logistics becomes even more important.
Below is a step-by-step procedure on how to export bananas from India.
Step 1: Obtain Import-Export Code (IEC)
The first and most important requirement for banana export from India is obtaining a valid Import-Export Code (IEC).
The IEC is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and is mandatory for all exporters. Without this code, no export shipment can be processed or cleared through customs.
Step 2: Register with Relevant Export Authorities
Depending on the destination country and buyer requirements, exporters may need to register with export-related authorities such as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
APEDA registration helps in meeting international quality standards, accessing export benefits, and complying with agricultural export norms, especially for fresh fruits like bananas.
Step 3: Identifying Reliable Sourcing Partners & Quality Selection
Choosing the right sourcing partner is a critical step in banana exports. India has several major banana-producing regions, including states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Within these regions, bananas are sourced directly from farms, farmer groups, or trusted traders. While selecting a sourcing partner, exporters must evaluate banana variety, maturity stage, uniformity, and overall quality.
Once sourcing is finalized, bananas are carefully sorted and graded based on size, appearance, and firmness. Proper grading ensures consistency, longer shelf life, and compliance with buyer expectations in international markets.
Step 4: Packaging, Ripening Control & Cold-Chain Handling
Packaging for banana exports plays a major role in preventing damage during transit. Common packaging options include corrugated boxes with ventilation holes, foam padding, liners, and protective wraps.
Packaging sizes and box weights vary depending on the destination country and buyer preference. Export-grade bananas are usually packed in standardized cartons that allow airflow and minimize bruising.
Since bananas are highly sensitive to temperature, cold-chain handling is often required.
Controlled temperature storage, pre-cooling, and refrigerated containers help maintain freshness and slow down ripening during transit. Some destinations may also require ripening control measures.
Step 5: Documentation & Regulatory Compliance
Banana exports require a set of essential documents to ensure smooth customs clearance and international compliance. These typically include:
Import-Export Code (IEC)
Phytosanitary Certificate
Certificate of Origin
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
APEDA Registration (if applicable)
Insurance Documents (optional but recommended)
Accurate documentation is crucial to avoid shipment delays, penalties, or rejection at the destination port.
Role of a Custom House Agent (CHA) in Banana Exports
Managing export documentation and customs procedures can be complex, especially for perishable goods like bananas. This is where a Custom House Agent (CHA) becomes extremely important.
A CHA acts as a link between the exporter, customs authorities, shipping lines, and port officials. They handle customs filing, shipping bill submission, and compliance checks to ensure smooth clearance.
The CHA also assists in coordinating inspections, container movement, and port formalities, reducing the risk of delays or cargo holds. Working with an experienced CHA helps exporters focus more on sourcing, logistics coordination, and buyer communication.
Step 6: Transport, Logistics & Customs Clearance
Once all documents are prepared, bananas are transported from farms or warehouses to the export port. During this stage, transporters, logistics partners, and the CHA work closely together.
The CHA files the shipping bill and coordinates with customs officials for inspection and clearance. At the same time, logistics partners arrange container booking, stuffing, temperature control, and timely movement to the port.
Exporters must ensure that bananas are loaded carefully, containers are properly ventilated or refrigerated, and shipment timelines are strictly followed.
Step 7: Shipment, Payment Terms & Post-Shipment Follow-Up
After customs clearance, bananas are shipped to the destination country, mostly via sea freight using refrigerated containers. Air freight is used only for urgent or premium shipments.
Once dispatched, documents such as the Bill of Lading serve as proof of shipment.
Payment Process
Payment terms are finalized before shipment. Common payment methods include advance payment, Letter of Credit (LC), or document-based payments such as DP or DA.
After shipment, exporters submit the required documents to the bank, and payments are released according to agreed terms. Accurate documentation ensures smooth and timely payment.
Post-Shipment Follow-Up
Once the bananas reach the destination, the importer completes customs clearance and receives the cargo. Regular follow-up with buyers, confirmation of delivery, and feedback collection help build long-term relationships and repeat business.
Other Banana-Related Products and Their Export Potential
India's potential in banana exports extends beyond fresh fruit. There is a significant opportunity in exporting banana-based products, which can enhance earnings and open new markets.
For instance, banana fibers can be utilized to create textiles, bags, ropes, and handicrafts, while banana leaves can be fashioned into plates and packaging, serving as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic.
Bananas can also be processed into powder, chips, puree, and even wine or vinegar, catering to the food and beverage industry. These products often command higher prices than raw bananas and help reduce surplus waste.
Globally, the demand for banana-based products is rising as consumers increasingly prefer natural, biodegradable materials and healthier snack options.
Markets in Europe, the Middle East, and North America are becoming more receptive to sustainable packaging and plant-based products.
This trend presents Indian businesses and exporters with a robust opportunity to leverage the country's large banana production, invest in agri-processing research, and innovate to create world-class products that align with these emerging trends.
Conclusion
India is already one of the largest banana producers globally, positioning itself strongly in the export market. Despite facing tough competition and fluctuating global market conditions, India is enhancing its export system through improved infrastructure, streamlined supply chains, and diversified product offerings. These initiatives are fostering steady growth in the international banana trade.
By focusing on quality standards, obtaining proper certifications, and targeting both traditional and emerging markets, India can capture a larger share of the global banana business, valued in billions. With its extensive banana-growing regions and improving export networks, India has the potential to play an even more significant role in supplying bananas and banana-based products to the world.