A diplomatic delegation from Ecuador is slated to travel to Moscow to address ongoing challenges in the export of Ecuadorian bananas to Russia. This update comes from a briefing by representatives of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was reported by RIA News as part of ongoing discussions between the two nations about agricultural trade and plant health controls.
Officials from the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry stated that in the coming days a group of senior representatives will visit Moscow to review the situation together with Russian authorities. The talks aim to clarify the phytosanitary measures that were conveyed to Ecuadorian authorities six months ago, measures that relate specifically to banana shipments and their compliance with Russia’s plant health requirements.
Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia’s agricultural watchdog, has explained that the core issue involves the humpback fly, a pest detected within some consignments of bananas imported from Ecuador. The identification of this pest, alongside other sanitary considerations, prompted Russia to suspend certification for five Ecuadorian exporters, a decision that affected a substantial portion of the country’s banana supplies to Russia and has prompted renewed discussions on risk management and compliance protocols for future shipments.
This development follows a period of heightened scrutiny over banana exports from Ecuador to Russia. Earlier reporting highlighted how import restrictions and sanitary checks had influenced supply routes, trade volumes, and the operational plans of exporters in Ecuador. The situation has been a focal point in bilateral trade talks as both sides seek to balance strict plant health safeguards with the practical needs of traders and consumers who rely on a steady supply of bananas.
Observers note that the discussions in Moscow may touch on several interconnected topics, including protocol harmonization for pest control, inspection procedures at ports of entry, and the timelines associated with certifying eligible exporters. The broader aim is to ensure that Ecuadorian bananas meet Russia’s phytosanitary standards while preserving predictable and reliable access to the Russian market for Ecuadorian growers. The outcome of these talks could influence future export arrangements, potential adjustments to certification criteria, and the overall handling of plant health issues within this bilateral framework.
Both sides have underscored the importance of transparent communication and procedural clarity as they move toward concrete steps. Ecuadorian authorities appear committed to working closely with Russian regulators to resolve outstanding questions and to align on practical measures that can prevent future disruptions. The upcoming discussions in Moscow are therefore viewed as a critical juncture in sustaining the long-standing trade relationship between Ecuador and Russia, particularly in the fruit export sector where bananas represent a major agricultural commodity for Ecuador and a staple in Russian markets.