June 2026
100 articles
Ecuador Business Chambers Favor Dialogue Posture As Governance Questions Grow
Ecuador’s business chambers are avoiding broad public confrontation over governance controversies, with leaders pointing instead to institutional dialogue, legal certainty and caution before making accusations.
Noboa Brings Trade And Security Agenda To Mercosur Summit In Paraguay
President Daniel Noboa is leading Ecuador’s delegation to the Mercosur and associated-states summit in Paraguay, with an agenda centered on trade, economic integration and regional security cooperation.
Ecuador Exporters See Single-Digit First-Half Growth As Costs Rise
Fedexpor expects Ecuador export growth to remain in single digits for the first half of 2026 as input costs, logistics constraints and weaker cacao shipments offset banana gains.
Ecuador Power Bottleneck Extends To Transmission As 29 Priority Works Wait
Ecuador’s electricity constraint is not only generation. CENACE has identified 29 priority transmission and subtransmission projects, while several substations operate close to capacity and demand keeps rising.
Portoviejo Allocates USD 595,000 To LiDAR-Led Hojas-Jaboncillo Cultural Project
Portoviejo plans a USD 595,000 first-phase investment in Plan Huella Cultural, using LiDAR to identify structures at Cerro Hojas-Jaboncillo in Manabí. The project links heritage restoration, destination development and municipal capital spending.
Ecuador Credit Card Base Reaches 4.63M Active Cards As First-Time Users Rise
Ecuador’s credit card market expanded in 2025, with 4.63 million cards recording consumption and more than 61,000 first-time cardholders. The data points to deeper formal credit penetration, though household leverage and bank underwriting quality remain key indicators.
Progen-Celec Contract Scrutiny Expands As Pre-Award Lobbying Timeline Emerges
Progen’s activities before winning major Celec contracts are drawing renewed scrutiny after Primicias reported a pre-award timeline of meetings and moves involving energy-sector figures. The issue keeps emergency generation procurement in focus for contractors, lenders and policy watchers.
Ecuador Excludes Exploration From 2026 Mining Fee, Projects USD 44.04M In Revenue
Ecuador updated its 2026 mining supervision and control fee methodology to exclude exploration and economic-evaluation concessions. The government projects USD 44.04 million in total revenue, including metallic concessions, processing plants, non-metallic concessions and commercial licenses.
Ecuador Poultry Exports Top 4,300 Tons Since 2023 as Industry Targets China
Ecuador has exported more than 4,300 metric tons of chicken since entering the market in 2023, according to industry figures cited by El Universo. The sector is targeting China and Central America while domestic annual chicken output stands near 564,497 tons.
El Nino Raises 2026 Operating Risk For Ecuador Cacao, Banana And Rice Producers
Ecuador’s agricultural exporters are preparing for El Nino exposure across cacao, rice and bananas. Cacao represented USD 4.5 billion for the economy in 2025 and supports 250,000 families across about 600,000 planted hectares, while rice production is concentrated in flood-prone lowland zones.
Ecuador Mortgage Ceiling Falls to 10.19% as Market Rates Move Lower
Ecuador’s maximum mortgage rate fell to 10.19% in June 2026, down 0.92 percentage points from a year earlier. Primicias reports average private-bank mortgage rates of 7.35%, Biess program rates as low as 2.99%, and Tu Casa Miti-Miti loans at a fixed 4.99%.
Ecuador Households Now Use 10 Retail Channels as Price Pressure Shapes Demand
Ecuadorian households now use 10 retail channels, up from six before the pandemic, according to Expreso. The shift reflects pressure from households living on USD 513 or less per month and a basic family basket listed at USD 828.97.
El Niño Could Add Up to 1.85 Points to Ecuador Inflation and Raise 2027 Cost Risks
Expreso reports El Niño 2026-2027 is active and could add up to 1.85 percentage points to Ecuador’s inflation. The food-price impact may arrive two to six months after the climate event, while hydropower risk remains part of the macro watchlist.
Biess Lists Property Auctions From July as Distressed Assets Move Through Coactive Processes
Biess has property auctions beginning in July 2026, including apartments from USD 23,000 and Quito houses from USD 26,000. Primicias says the assets come from coactive collection processes and are listed through the Biess Remates platform.
Ecuador Cuts Mining-Fee Revenue Forecast to USD 44M as Exploration Is Excluded
Ecuador reduced its projected annual mining-fee revenue from USD 220 million to USD 44 million after excluding exploration-stage concessions from the control fee. The revised framework, in force from June 26, adds 300 mineral-processing plants and recalibrates payment timing for 2026.
Ecuador-Colombia Trade Fell to USD 700M During Tariff Dispute, Recovery Seen at 75%
Ecuador-Colombia trade fell to USD 700 million in January-April 2026 from USD 888 million a year earlier during a four-month tariff dispute. Commercial flows are recovering after tariff removal, but Tulcán chamber leadership estimates normalization may still take 30 to 40 days.
Ecuador Fuel Band Pushes Diesel to USD 3.25 and Extra Gasoline to USD 3.31 in June
Diesel reached USD 3.25 per gallon and Extra gasoline reached USD 3.31 in June 2026 under Ecuador’s monthly fuel-price band system. The adjustment mechanism remains a cost variable for logistics, transport and consumer inflation exposure.
Ecuador Oil Output Falls 1.5% In January-May 2026
Ecuadorian crude production fell 1.5% between January and May 2026, according to Primicias. The decline keeps energy-sector execution and Petroecuador output central to fiscal monitoring for the rest of the year.
Ecuador-Argentina Auto Deal Would Cut Import Tariff to 10%
Ecuador and Argentina have completed negotiations on an automotive trade agreement that would lower the tariff on Argentine vehicles entering Ecuador from 28% to 10%. The measure could reshape import pricing, competition and regional supply-chain positioning in Ecuador’s auto sector.
Assembly Orders 30-Day Review Of Progen Fund Transfers
The National Assembly unanimously ordered a review into the destination and route of funds transferred by Progen, with a 30-day report deadline. The case adds governance risk around public contracting and power-sector procurement.
Colombia Power Sales Could Cut Ecuador's Dry-Season Deficit to 850 MW
Colombia could resume electricity sales to Ecuador after publishing a June 7 draft resolution, but supply is uncertain from November 2026 into early 2027. Primicias reports that Colombian imports could reduce Ecuador's severe dry-season deficit from roughly 1,300 MW to 850 MW if the 450 MW interconnection is available.
BDE Places USD 100M Green Bond as Public Banking Enters Market
Banco de Desarrollo del Ecuador issued USD 100 million in green bonds in its first securities-market operation of this type. The issue drew 125% demand, with 80% bought by the private sector, and is intended to finance environmental infrastructure projects.
EV Import Delays Hit Ecuador as RoRo Capacity Tightens
Ecuador sold 4,019 electric vehicles in the first five months of 2026, more than triple the prior-year level, with BYD accounting for 39% of the segment. Primicias reports that RoRo shipping space for Ecuador has fallen around 30%, creating delivery delays for BYD and other Asia-sourced brands.
LATAM Adds Quito-Santiago Route With 35,000 Annual Seats
LATAM opened sales for a direct Quito-Santiago route that will begin in December 2026 with four weekly flights. El Universo reports that the service will add about 35,000 seats per year and reduce travel times by one and a half to three hours versus connecting options.
Ecuador Auto Assembly Triples to 6,647 Units as Argentina Deal Draws Industry Pushback
Ecuador’s three remaining vehicle assemblers produced 6,647 units from January through April 2026, nearly triple the 2,438 units assembled in the same period of 2025. Industry leadership says the pending Argentina agreement is asymmetric because it lowers Ecuador’s export tariff by only five points while cutting Argentina’s import tariff by 18 points.
Ecuador Unemployment Falls to 3.1% as Informal Employment Holds at 52.8%
Ecuador’s unemployment rate fell from 4.1% in May 2025 to 3.1% in May 2026, equivalent to about 86,000 fewer unemployed people. The business signal is mixed: adequate employment reached 36.6%, but informal employment still covered 52.8% of employed workers.
Ecuador SME Credit Rises 12% as Cooperatives and BanEcuador Drive Placement
Ecuadorian SME credit placement rose about 12% from January through May 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Cooperatives and public banking, especially BanEcuador, accounted for 70% of the increase, while private banks represented 30%.
Petroecuador Lobo Field Reaches 2,300 bpd After 20-Year Drilling Gap
Petroecuador restarted drilling activity at the Lobo field in Block 7 after more than 20 years without new wells. The mature-field program lifted production from about 500 bpd to more than 2,000 bpd, reaching a 2,300 bpd peak in the first half of 2026.
Ecuador Collected USD 149M From Colombia Tariff, Raising Refund-Claim Exposure
Ecuador collected USD 149 million from the security tariff imposed on Colombian imports between February and May 2026. The tariff reached 100% in May before being eliminated on June 1, creating potential refund-claim exposure after CAN ordered both countries to lift reciprocal trade measures.
Ecuador Companies Face Autogeneration Deadline as Dry-Season Deficit Could Reach 1,300 MW
Ecuadorian companies are accelerating private power investments ahead of the October 2026 dry season, when the generation deficit could reach 1,300 MW. Large consumers face a six-month deadline under Executive Decree 32, while industry groups estimate private-sector autogeneration capacity at 300-400 MW, much of it emergency-grade.
Petroecuador USD 5.3M Refinery Payment Raises Procurement-Control Risk
A Petroecuador payment of more than USD 5.3 million to Consorcio Torre VL-V1 is now a governance-risk case for Ecuador’s hydrocarbons sector. Prosecutors said the payment was tied to alleged work at the Esmeraldas Refinery, but Sercop and Finance records reportedly showed no matching contract or payment registration.
Rice Producers Warn El Niño Could Affect Up to 80,000 Hectares
Ecuador’s rice and cacao sectors are mapping production exposure ahead of a possible El Niño event. Rice producers cite 40,000-50,000 hectares affected in a regular winter and potential exposure of 70,000-80,000 hectares depending on event intensity, while cacao exporters are watching disease and post-harvest risk.
Sierra-Coast Logistics Corridor Restricted Through June 28
Traffic restrictions on the Balbanera-Pallatanga-Cumandá road run from June 22 to June 28, 2026 as rehabilitation work proceeds on seven sections. The corridor connects Ecuador’s central Sierra with the Coast and supports passenger, agricultural and heavy-cargo movement between provinces including Chimborazo and Guayas.
Starbucks Targets Nine Ecuador Stores With Guayaquil-Daule Expansion
Starbucks is preparing stores at Mall del Sol in Guayaquil and El Dorado in La Aurora, Daule, moving its Ecuador footprint beyond Quito. Sector sources estimate openings between July and August 2026, which would lift the chain to nine stores after USD 5.4M in 2025 sales.
MAGP Offers 100% Debt Remission for Artisanal Fishing Port Leases
Ecuador’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries announced 100% remission of selected lease-related debts for artisanal fishers and popular-solidarity economy organizations. The benefit applies to users in Esmeraldas, Anconcito, Jaramijó, San Mateo, Santa Rosa, Cojimíes and Bajo Alto.
Quito COE Reviews El Niño Water Plan as Blanco Chico Repairs Target 700 L/s
Quito’s metropolitan emergency committee is reviewing an El Niño contingency plan focused on water reserves, Papallacta supply and fire risk. The Blanco Chico recovery project is expected to restore 700 liters per second at an approximate cost of USD 700,000.
Decevale-Isspol Judgment Orders USD 693M Repair Payment
A tribunal convicted six defendants in the Decevale case and ordered a USD 693M repair payment to Isspol. The case began with 2020 complaints from Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros against Decevale S.A. and Citadel Casa de Valores over alleged market-operations irregularities.
UAFE Freezes Progen-Linked Accounts as USD 104M Generator Case Widens
Ecuador’s UAFE has frozen funds in accounts associated with private actors linked to the Progen generator-contract case. The government says investigators are tracing USD 104M paid to Progen, including 89 transactions and a reported USD 15.2M transfer to Astrobryxa.
SuperCías Information-Access Reform Raises Corporate Confidentiality Risk
Ecuador’s Superintendencia de Compañías is working on reforms to the Companies Law that could expand shareholder access to corporate information regardless of ownership percentage. Business lawyers and chambers warn that the measure needs safeguards to protect strategic, contractual, tax, labor and customer data.
Ecuador Invests More Than USD 3M in Irrigation Across 525 Hectares
Ecuador has invested more than USD 3M in seven technified irrigation projects covering 525 hectares. The program directly benefits 517 agricultural producers and indirectly supports more than 2,000 people, with the government targeting productivity, climate resilience and financing access for small and medium producers.
Guayaquil Airport Keeps Flights Operating After Security Event Restricts Access
Guayaquil’s airport remained operational for scheduled domestic and international flights after a June 17 shooting outside the terminal. The business impact was concentrated in access control, passenger flow and security operations rather than immediate flight cancellations.
ARCOM Proposes Cutting Mining-Fee Target to USD 44M and Excluding Exploration
ARCOM is circulating a reform to Ecuador’s mining supervision fee that would cut projected collection by roughly 80%, from USD 221.75M to USD 44M. The proposal would exclude initial exploration, advanced exploration and economic evaluation projects, addressing one of the mining sector’s main investment-cost objections.
Ecuador Security Decree Targets Areas With 2,648 Homicides in Four Months
Ecuador’s new state of exception concentrates military and police intervention in ten provinces and three cantons that registered 2,648 of 2,778 national homicides from January through April. Guayas alone accounted for 1,223 violent deaths, making the decree material for port, logistics, mining and urban operating-risk analysis.
Contraloría Rule Would Allow Classified Audit Files to Be Destroyed After 30 Days
Ecuador’s National Assembly approved a rule allowing the Contraloría to destroy classified state documents within 30 calendar days after audit reports are final and executed. The reform changes the governance and audit-trail environment for classified public-sector information, with civil-society groups asking the Executive to veto the provision.
Petroecuador Output Reaches 365,973 bpd, Still Below June Plan
Petroecuador highlighted 370,197 BOE/d on June 15, its best level in recent months, but the number includes crude and natural gas. Crude output was 365,973.40 bpd, below the June plan of 376,223.01 bpd and still short of the production recovery needed for fiscal and export targets.
SEPS Data Show 38 Credit Cooperatives in Forced Liquidation as Delinquency Exceeds 8%
SEPS data show 38 Ecuadorian credit cooperatives were in forced liquidation as of May 5, 2026. Ambato accounted for 36.8% of the cases, Quito 26.3% and Cuenca 21.1%, with sector delinquency above 8% versus roughly 3% in private banking.
Oil Drop May Cut Ecuador Subsidy Cost Before Fuel Prices Fall
WTI fell 4.9% to USD 80.75 per barrel after an announced U.S.-Iran agreement, but Ecuador fuel prices are not expected to decline immediately. Current subsidies are USD 1.60 per gallon for diesel, USD 1.62 for Ecopais and USD 1.02 for Extra, making the fiscal account the first transmission channel.
Housing Reservations Rise 28% as Ecuador Builders Target 40,000 Units
Ecuador net housing reservations rose 28% from January to April 2026 versus the same period in 2025, the strongest annual increase in at least three years. Builders are targeting 40,000 units or more for the year, supported by USD 362 million in unsubsidized mortgage credit and USD 113 million through Miti-Miti.
IVA Refund Dispute Reaches Constitutional Court as SRI Refunds Fall 28.5%
A retirees group has taken IVA refund delays to Ecuador’s Constitutional Court after a rejected protection action in Pichincha. The dispute comes as SRI cash tax refunds reached USD 134.5 million from January to April 2026, down 28.5% from the same period in 2025.
Ecuador Seeks 100% Mine Self-Generation in Cascabel and Mirador II Renegotiations
Ecuador is seeking contract addenda for the Cascabel and Mirador II copper projects, with power self-generation as a critical condition. The government wants new mines to cover 100% of their power demand as industrial mining could add at least 4,468 MW of electricity demand by 2035.
BanEcuador Sets USD 253M El Nino Credit and Relief Buffer
BanEcuador says it has USD 253 million available for credit, refinancing and relief measures tied to a possible El Nino event. The bank estimates up to USD 13 million in loans could face repayment risk, with agriculture identified as the most exposed sector.
Ecuador Adds 7,364 Hectares of Water-Protection Areas in Loja
Ecuador formalized the Gonzanama and Sanguillin water-protection areas in Calvas, Loja, covering 7,364.35 hectares. The declarations are framed around forest, water-source and wildlife conservation, with direct water-quality relevance for 7,829 residents.
Quito Bicentenario Road Plan Could Affect 15 of 103 Park Hectares
A Quito road-extension proposal would prolong Amazonas, Real Audiencia and Rafael Aulestia through the Bicentenario Park area. One council member said the plan includes 2.2 km and 2.5 km road sections and could affect 15 of the park's 103 hectares.
Finance and Mining Lead Ecuador 2025 Utilities as Net Profit Hits USD 10.017B
A corporate-utilities ranking based on Superintendencia de Companias data put Ecuador 2025 net utility at USD 10.017 billion. Financial and insurance activities led by sector share, followed by mining, commerce and manufacturing.
Petroecuador Controls PK105 Pipeline Spill, Says Fuel Supply Normal
Petroecuador said a fuel leak in La Union, Quininde, was allegedly caused by a clandestine perforation on the Esmeraldas-Santo Domingo polyduct at PK105. The company said the leak was controlled before 11:00 and national fuel supply continued normally.
Triple A Testimony Puts $100M Diesel-Subsidy Case Back in Focus
A protected witness in the Triple A and Goleada proceedings described how subsidized diesel allegedly moved through an unauthorized resale mechanism. The testimony puts Ecuador fuel-subsidy controls, Petroecuador sales, ARCH oversight and offshore invoicing back in the business-risk frame.
Senae Seizes Counterfeit Ecuador Jerseys in Customs Control
Senae said counterfeit Ecuador national-team shirts were detected during a control on a parcel truck attempting to bring merchandise into the country. The agency framed the action as part of its work against contraband and falsified products.
ARCOM Attack in Machala Raises Risk Around El Oro Mining Controls
An explosive attack affected the ARCOM office in Machala on the night of June 12, 2026. Authorities linked the incident to 88 illegal-mining operations in El Oro, adding a security-risk layer to mining enforcement in one of Ecuador's active control zones.
Ecuador June Fixed-Term Deposit Average Rate Slips to 5.29%
Ecuador's average passive effective rate for fixed-term deposits reached 5.29% in June 2026, down from 5.34% in May and 5.40% in April. Listed rates ranged from 4.31% for 30-60 days to 6.45% for terms of 360 days or more.
CONAFIPS to Mobilize $155M for Farmers and Young Entrepreneurs
CONAFIPS will mobilize up to $155 million in productive financing through a credit-incentive program for young entrepreneurs and small farmers. Official projections point to approximately 30,000 small farmers and 8,000 young-led ventures as beneficiaries.
Ecuador Sets 655-Salary License Rule for Sports-Betting Operators
President Daniel Noboa issued a new regulation to Ecuador's sports law with requirements for sports-betting operators. The rules include licenses valid for up to five years and an annual payment equivalent to 655 basic salaries within the first 20 days of each license year.
Esmeraldas I 125 MW Thermal Plant to Remain Offline for 9-12 Months
Esmeraldas I, a 125 MW thermal plant, will remain out of operation for nine months to one year after a June 5 cooling-tower fire during maintenance. Energy Minister Juan Carlos Blum said Ecuador could face a 1,300 MW deficit in a critical 2026-2027 dry-season scenario, while an external consultant placed potential shortfall risk as high as 2,640 MW under lower hydro generation.
Novacero Plans $180M Investment in Two 50 MW Mini-Hydro Plants
Novacero plans two 50 MW mini-hydroelectric projects with combined investment of $180 million as Ecuador pushes high-voltage users to install their own generation by end-2026. The company already operates a 4.23 MW solar park in Guayaquil and plans additional panels in Guayaquil and Quito while trying to cover a 38 MW peak load at its Lasso plant.
BIESS Offers Three Mortgage-Debt Options as 2026 Credit Target Reaches $5.8B
BIESS reminded affiliates, retirees and pensioners that mortgage borrowers have three alternatives for payment problems: refinancing, restructuring and novation. The bank targets $5.8 billion in 2026 credit placements after placing $5.0986 billion in 2025, including $479 million in mortgage loans across 7,816 operations.
Ecuador Plans Temporary ICE Cut for Moderate Alcoholic Beverages During World Cup
President Daniel Noboa announced a temporary elimination of ICE on moderate alcoholic beverages, including beer, during the 2026 World Cup period. Noboa said beer prices would fall by more than 20% and that the measure would remain in force until July 19, though implementation details were still pending.
CELEC Awards $59.2M Diesel Rental for 45 MW at Santa Elena
CELEC awarded a $59.2 million diesel-generation rental contract for 45 MW at the Santa Elena plant, nearly $13 million below the reference budget. The award went to Comercial Laeisz Honduras after seven offers and Sercop observations over the public-procurement process.
Ecuador Plans Emergency Contracting Committee as Erosion Threatens Coca Codo
Ecuador will form an emergency committee to accelerate works tied to regressive erosion on the Coca River, which threatens Coca Codo Sinclair’s water-intake structures. The hydro plant supplies about 25% of national electricity demand and cost more than $2 billion.
CAN Countries Discuss Single Andean Sky After 40M International Passengers in 2024
Andean Community countries discussed a “single Andean sky” proposal at the IV Andean Air Transport Forum in Quito. The subregion moved 40 million international passengers in 2024, including 6.47 million passengers traveling between CAN countries.
Orellana Illegal-Mining Operation Destroys Equipment Worth Estimated $1.2M
A military operation in Orellana caused an estimated $1.2 million loss to illegal mining structures, according to the Defense Ministry. The intervention destroyed camps, excavators, suction motors, classifiers, generators and 2,660 gallons of fuel.
Petroecuador Adds Output at Sacha and Auca as State Production Hits 364,233 Bpd
Petroecuador added new well output at Sacha and Auca, with state production reaching 364,233 barrels per day on June 8. Sacha produced 72,811 bpd, about 20% of Petroecuador output, while Auca produced 61,007 bpd, about 17%.
Colombia Removes 30% Tariffs on Ecuadorian Goods After CAN Dispute
Colombia removed the 30% reciprocal tariffs on selected Ecuadorian goods through Decree 0583, derogating Decree 170 of February 20, 2026. Rice tariffs will be dismantled within 45 days as customs controls are strengthened along the southern border.
Ecuador Checks Fuel Chain as Esmeraldas Refinery Recovers to Nearly 90%
Ecuador is verifying fuel inventories, dispatches and station operations before the June 12 monthly price update. Authorities say Esmeraldas refinery recovery lifted capacity from 40% to nearly 90% after a $15.7 million repair effort.
World Cup Demand Could Lift Ecuador June Sales to $25.609B
Ecuador's June sales are estimated at $25.609 billion, up 10.1% from $23.269 billion in June 2025. Commerce alone is projected at $10.701 billion, up 14%, as World Cup demand flows through restaurants, bars, sports retail, electronics, delivery and telecoms.
Ecuador VAT Revenue Reaches $4.068B Through April
Ecuador collected $4.068 billion in VAT from January through April 2026, up 15% from $3.549 billion a year earlier. VAT represented about 46.5% of total tax revenue, while internal sales reached $53.903 billion in January-March, up 12%.
Petroecuador Restructuring Plan Points to Mixed-Capital Model
Ecuador's energy ministry is evaluating a mixed-capital model for Petroecuador that would maintain state control while opening up to private investment. The concept would require legal reform and could allow private participation up to 49%, with 51% under state control.
Agricominsa Cleared to Acquire Plásticos Ecuatorianos Assets
The Superintendence of Economic Competition authorized Agricominsa to acquire assets linked to the productive and commercial activities of Plásticos Ecuatorianos S.A. The transaction covers a packaging company founded in Guayaquil in 1967 and linked to Tonicorp.
World Cup Demand Pushes Ecuador Fashion Retail Beyond Jerseys
Ecuador's World Cup apparel demand is expanding beyond sports jerseys into guayaberas, polos, blazers, suits and casual wear. Pical sold more than 500 licensed Tri polo shirts across 39 stores, while Guayaberas Orellana launched a $50 guayamisa.
Port Reform Targets 12,000 Abandoned Containers in Ecuador
Ecuador is advancing a COPCI reform to reduce an annual backlog of more than 12,000 abandoned containers in national ports. The retained cargo is valued at about $450 million, with average waits of 365 days and some immobilized goods stored for more than 18 years.
OIM Opens SME Fund Offering Up to $40,000 in Ecuador
The OIM Enterprise Development Fund opened a call for SMEs in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Ambato and Ibarra. Selected companies may receive $20,000 to $40,000 for expansion, innovation, productive strengthening and job creation.
Arcamia Opens Cumbaya Concept Store After 20% Sales Growth
Arcamia opened a new Experience-format store in Cumbaya after annual sales reached $1.8 million, up 20% from 2024. The company currently operates seven stores in Quito and Cuenca and says it is evaluating expansion to additional Ecuadorian cities in 2026.
Ecuador Air Travel Remains at 0.45 Trips Per Capita
Ecuador recorded 0.45 air trips per capita in 2025, below Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Chile. IATA figures show upside in the market, with Ecuador posting 11.1% growth in routes, 0.9% in frequencies and 13.4% in seats.
U.S. Proposes 10% Tariff Measure for Ecuador
The United States is proposing a 10% tariff measure for Ecuador as part of a Section 301 review covering 60 economies and forced-labor import enforcement. Ecuador's current 10% U.S. surcharge expires July 24, making the new measure a potential replacement rather than a separate short-term shock.
BIESS Quirografario Loans Reach $1.963B Placement
BIESS has placed $1.963 billion in quirografario consumer loans through 1.18 million operations. The product offers up to $38,560 depending on reserve-fund and severance guarantees, with repayment terms of up to 60 months.
Cyber Monday Ecuador Targets Up to $1.6B in June Sales
Ecuador's June Cyber Monday campaign is projected to move between $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion in associated sales. The Chamber of Commerce of Guayaquil expects more than 700,000 visits, with more than 30 companies participating from June 8 to 14.
LATAM Ecuador to Distribute 6M Paccari Minibars Annually
LATAM Airlines Ecuador will distribute about 6 million Paccari chocolate minibars per year through its international onboard service. The partnership places the Ecuadorian brand on more than 25 routes connecting Europe, Oceania, the United States and Africa.
State Transfers $927M to IESS Pension Subsidy Through May
Ecuador transferred $927 million to IESS for the state 40% pension contribution from January through May 2026. The figure equals 34.53% of the $2.684 billion coded annual budget, with $306.5 million recognized but not yet paid.
Ecuador Country Risk Falls Below 400 for First Time Since 2014
Ecuador's country-risk indicator fell to 396 points on June 3, its lowest level since October 2014. The measure is down 96 points since the start of 2026 and 1,620 points since President Daniel Noboa took office.
Powerchina Coca Codo Contract Now Expected by December
Ecuador now expects the Powerchina operating contract for Coca Codo Sinclair by December, later than the July timing previously expected. The 25-year contract would pay $47 million per year for operation of the 1,500 MW hydro plant.
Consumer Credit Expansion Drives Ecuador Auto-Sales Rebound
Ecuador's consumer-credit volume rose from $1.628 billion to $2.238 billion from January through April, a 37.4% increase. Auto-sector leaders say financing supports about 60% of new-vehicle sales and is driving the 2026 rebound.
Ecuador Budget Revenue Rises $2.303B Through May
Ecuador collected $12.220 billion in state-budget revenue through May 2026, $2.303 billion more than in the same period of 2025. Oil receipts nearly tripled to $1.239 billion, while tax collection supplied 65% of total income.
Tanergy Group Wins $13.16M Ecuador Diesel-Generation Lease
Celec awarded a $13.16 million contract for 10 MW of diesel generation at Guangopolo to Tanergy Group. The contract is the first award from an April thermal-rental package designed to reduce dry-season power risk in late 2026.
SRI Adds 70 Import Subheadings to Reduced ISD List
Ecuador’s SRI updated the list of import tariff subheadings eligible for a reduced 2.5% ISD rate. Fedexpor identified 70 new subheadings added to the preferential list and 17 subheadings removed.
Ecociencia Identifies 111 Mining-Affected Hectares in Protected Areas
Ecociencia identified 111 hectares affected by mining inside protected and conservation areas in Zamora Chinchipe. The report monitored four case studies from 2011 to 2025 and points to enforcement pressure in Ecuador’s southern Amazon mining corridor.
Fuel Bands Point to Another Ecuador Price Increase From June 12
Ecuador's June 12 fuel adjustment is likely to move higher, Primicias reports. The outlet cited a $0.23/gal May increase in Ecuador's gasoline reference, WTI at $92.16/bbl on June 1, and projected local prices of about $3.31/gal for gasoline and $3.25/gal for diesel under the 5% band cap.
Colombia Import Tariff Refund Exposure Could Reach $254M
Ecuador may face refund claims tied to the Colombia import security charge, Primicias reports. A former SENAE legal director estimated approximately $220.9M in tariff collections plus about $33M in additional IVA, implying a potential $254M exposure before interest.
Energy Minister Says Cascabel Mining Contract Will Be Renegotiated
Ecuador's energy minister said the Cascabel exploitation contract will be renegotiated, Primicias reports. The project carries a 33-year mine-life plan, approximately $4.2B in expected investment, a 4,979-hectare concession and Chinese control after Jiangxi Copper's SolGold acquisition.
Auca 141H Adds 2,568 Bpd to Orellana Oil Output
A new horizontal well at Auca is producing 2,568 bpd, Primicias reports. The Block 61 field averages 60,000 bpd, has more than 580 drilled wells and is operated by Shaya, an SLB affiliate.
Ecuador Has Gone Three Months Without Domestic Premium Diesel Output
Ecuador has gone three months without producing premium diesel, Primicias reports. Imports rose 70.97% year over year in March and 98.58% in April while import prices reached $165.45 and $183.43 per barrel, respectively.
Ecuador Carbon-Market Technical Rule Enters Force
Ecuador's Ministry of Environment and Energy has put the ARTTRM technical rule into force, El Universo reports. The framework is designed to support participation in international carbon markets and channel investment into mitigation projects in energy, industry, waste and agriculture.
Banco Pichincha Reports 6.5M Customers and 82% Digital Transactions
Banco Pichincha says it now serves more than 6.5 million customers, equal to 37% of Ecuador's population, El Universo reports. The bank cites 82% digital transactions, $14.1 billion in productive-credit portfolio and $1.5 billion in sustainable project financing.