Philippine Bananas Impounded

[lastlid]

"MANILA, Philippines - China has impounded Philippine fruit exports alleged to carry pests, squeezing a key industry amid a tense stand-off between the two countries over disputed territory, a Philippine official said Saturday.

Manila newspapers reported tonnes of Philippine bananas were rotting at Chinese ports, while the Philippines' Bureau of Plant Industry director Clarito Barron confirmed fruit shipments faced stricter inspection there.

"This has a huge effect on the industry," Barron said, describing China as an important market having imported 300,000 tonnes of Philippine bananas worth $60 million last year.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper quoted Stephen Antig, president of an association of 18 banana growers, saying they had sustained losses of one billion pesos (about $236,000) because bananas spoiled after three days."

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/...mpounded-china

[grahamw48]

Yes, it's true that the Phils have been having problems with the Banana disease, but also perhaps a lesson for those doing all the sabre-rattling that there can be knock-on effects, despite having US skirts to hide behind.

As usual it's the poor and hard-working families who suffer.

[fred]

[lastlid]

Yes, it's true that the Phils have been having problems with the Banana disease, but also perhaps a lesson for those doing all the sabre-rattling that there can be knock-on effects, despite having US skirts to hide behind.

As usual it's the poor and hard-working families who suffer.

Never mess with big bananas!