Bananas market in French Polynesia

Earlier Report Observations

The banana market in French Polynesia contracted sharply between 2018 and 2020, with production volume falling from 317 t to 211 t. This decline was primarily driven by the serious phytosanitary threat of Fusarium wilt, a fungal disease that can cause devastating yield losses in banana plantations.

A sustained recovery began in 2021, with production growing to 243 t that year and reaching 266 t by 2022. This turnaround was supported by concerted efforts to promote local consumption, including a charter for distributing domestic fruits and vegetables in retail outlets, which strengthened demand. Market activity was further stimulated by product innovation, such as the development of biodegradable packaging from banana fibers and the growing visibility of dried bananas as a value-added segment.

By 2023, production had increased to 281.7 t, nearly returning to its pre-decline level, marking a significant recovery for the local banana sector.

Production bananas in French Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of bananas, 2017-2020

World map of production of bananas, 2017-2020

Banana production in French Polynesia has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 211.0 t of bananas were produced, marking a significant decrease of 26.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 38.3%, with an average annual decline rate of 14.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports bananas from French Polynesia

Exports in kind, kg

The market displayed considerable volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.2 kg, while the highest occurred in 2020 at 31 kg, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 181 times. In 2020, banana deliveries from French Polynesia amounted to 31 kg, reflecting a dramatic increase of 17 958.8% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 99.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, dependence on France was pronounced, with this market accounting for 98.6% of total banana exports in kind from French Polynesia.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest export value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2018, with exports changing by 28-fold between these years. In 2020, French Polynesia exported 72 US$ of bananas, corresponding to a substantial gain of 137.0% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 273 US$. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 88.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 2 665.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from French Polynesia in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Over the period 2017–2020, virtually all banana exports in value terms from French Polynesia were associated with France, whose share reached 91.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from French Polynesia in value, 2017-2020

Imports bananas to French Polynesia

Imports in kind, kg

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2020, showing a 2.3-fold swing. In 2020, banana imports to French Polynesia reached 2 242 kg, which is 31.2% higher compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 5.7%, and the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 86.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines held the dominant position in imports in kind, accounting for 83.3% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

Banana imports to French Polynesia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 14 995 US$, showing a steep rise of 25.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 152.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 36.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to French Polynesia in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Over 2017–2020, the Philippines consistently accounted for 84.5% of total imports in value terms, indicating a high concentration on this market, with the rest shared among other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to French Polynesia in value, 2017-2020