While awaiting the publication of import figures by European customs authorities, FruiTrop has drawn up a preliminary balance for 2004. Performance was better than in 2002 and 2003 in spite of the pessimistic forecasts made by most analysts and operators. The context turned out to be more favourable both in the world banana market and with regard to competing produce. Above all, the changes in the common market organisation of banana resulting from the enlargement of the EU seem to have helped achieve the matching of supply and demand and better structuring of sales.