Recession in the banana sector following the closure of the Syrian market

As of the 21st of November, the Syrian authorities will stop importing Lebanese production of banana, in addition to a large number of goods from other countries. The Syrian sudden decision has forced banana farmers to cease harvesting after that packaging centers stopped processing banana production.
Rida Fadel, member of the syndicate of citrus and banana exporters noted that the decision of the Syrian government will have disastrous consequences on thousands of farmers and workers. He added that the decision will cause huge damages to the banana sector, since 70,000 tons are usually exported to Syria and another 10,000 tons to Jordan. Finally, it is to be noted that Lebanon produces annually a total of 170,000 tons of banana.
Source: Al-Safir 28 November 2014