Philippine output boosts global pineapple trade
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines significantly contributed to global pineapple trade in 2025 as it invested heavily in improving domestic production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Global pineapple exports grew by 3.7 percent to 3.7 million metric tons (MT) in 2025, largely driven by higher supplies from the Philippines, the FAO said in its Major Tropical Fruits Market Review.
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“Globally, pineapple, avocado and mango continued to be the three most significantly traded tropical fruits in terms of their export quantities in 2025, bananas aside,” the FAO said.
Among these fruits, pineapples emerged as the predominant commodity in terms of quantity, mainly because of their low average export unit values.
Despite higher figures, the FAO said pineapple exports were somewhat hampered by weather-related difficulties experienced in Costa Rica, the leading source of fresh pineapples worldwide.
The Philippines exported approximately 810,000 MT in 2025, expanding by 19 percent. It remained the world’s second-largest exporter for three consecutive years, holding a 22-percent market share.
“Industry sources informed that the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture had made significant investments in improving yields in key production areas, including via the provision of fertilizers, packaging materials and training in pest management, which facilitated higher output,” the FAO said.
The FAO also said the average export unit value of shipments from the Philippines climbed by 5 percent to $662 per MT in 2025.
Philippine shipments to China, the leading destination for locally produced pineapples, rose by 20 percent in the previous year.
“Growth in exports to China was boosted by a weather-related decline in Chinese domestic production, which resulted in lower yields and lower qualities,” the report said.
Japan and South Korea, also major markets for Philippine pineapple, accounted for 36 percent and 12 percent of exports, respectively. INQ
