This webpage has recently been updated. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at: plantstakeholders@aff.gov.au.
We released the final import risk analysis report for Cavendish bananas from the Philippines on 12 November 2008. We determined that the importation of Cavendish bananas from the Philippines can be permitted, subject to certain biosecurity import conditions.
The final import risk analysis report identified 7 pests/pest groups of concern, notably Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle. It also identified a number of arthropod pests including armoured scales, mealybugs, spider mites and thrips.
Five appeals were lodged in response to the bananas from the Philippines 2008 import risk analysis. As a result, the Import Risk Analysis Appeal Panel (IRAAP) was established. More information is available in the Importation of Cavendish Bananas from the Philippines IRA appeal.
On 3 March 2009, Australia made a policy determination that the importation of bananas may be permitted, subject to the application of risk management measures as outlined in the risk analysis.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, March 2009.
Fact sheet - Biosecurity policy determination for bananas
Biosecurity Advice – Biosecurity policy determination - March 2009
Download
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, November 2008.
Biosecurity Advice – final import risk analysis report - November 2008
Fact sheet – final import risk analysis report – November 2008 (DOCX 61 KB)
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Trade
Australia-Philippines trade
The Philippines is an important trading partner for Australia. In 2023-24, the Philippines was Australia’s 15th largest export market valued at $7.6 billion. Major exports included education-related travel, confidential items of trade and wheat.
In 2023, Australia imported $2.6 billion worth of goods and services from the Philippines. Major imports included recreational travel, business services and telecom & ICT services.
Philippine banana production and exports
The Philippines’ banana industry is well established, producing approximately 9.02 million tonnes of bananas in 2023. Approximately 50% of production is Cavendish.
Philippine banana production occurs all year.
In 2023, the Philippines was the world’s third largest exporter of bananas and exported approximately 2.2 million tonnes. Export markets include Japan, Korea, China and the Middle East.
Australian banana production
The Australian banana industry is well established producing 374,251 tonnes of bananas valued at $583.3 million in 2022-23. Bananas are produced year-round with peak production occurring between March and November. Approximately 97% of varieties grown are Cavendish.
Bananas are predominately grown in Queensland (94%) with the major growing regions being the Cassowary Coast (Tully, Innisfail and Kennedy), the Atherton Tablelands and Lakeland. Bananas are also grown in northern New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Banana imports
A policy determination was made in 2009 permitting the import of bananas from the Philippines, subject to biosecurity requirements. No trade has occurred. Australia does not currently permit the import of fresh bananas from any other market.
Banana exports
There is currently minimal Australian banana export activity.
We have market access for exporting bananas to Japan, Republic of Korea and New Zealand, as well as unregulated markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
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