Bananas are grown in all tropical regions of the world and their production as an export commodity constitutes a key part of the economies of many low income food deficit countries, including Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Cate d'Ivoire and the Philippines. This publication examines the impact of global trade developments on the world banana economy during the years 1985 to 2002, a period which saw export demand grow at an unprecedented rate. Topics discussed include: the evolution of imports and the trade policies of major importing markets including the EU, the United States and Japan; technology changes at production and transportation levels; environmental and social issues; and the role played by transnational corporations.