Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Banco Pichincha's Digital Unit Crosses 3 Million Users as Mobile Lending Triples
Banco Pichincha's digital banking platform has surpassed 3 million active users, with mobile-originated lending tripling to $420 million in 2025 as Ecuador's largest financial institution accelerates its technology transformation.
Ecuador Banana Sector Faces Margin Squeeze as AEBE Enters Wage Negotiations
Ecuador's banana industry, the world's largest by export volume, faces mounting pressure from labour cost increases as the Asociacion de Exportadores de Banano del Ecuador enters contentious wage negotiations amid a proposed 8% minimum hike for agricultural workers.
Guayaquil's Waterfront Sees $650mn in New Commercial Projects as Puerto Santa Ana Expands
Guayaquil's riverfront commercial district is experiencing a construction boom, with $650 million in new mixed-use projects breaking ground along the expanded Puerto Santa Ana corridor as domestic and Colombian developers bet on the city's post-pandemic recovery.
Ecuador Sovereign Bonds Rally to Post-Restructuring Highs on Fiscal Discipline Signals
Ecuador's restructured sovereign bonds have rallied sharply in early 2026, with the benchmark 2035 notes trading at 78.5 cents on the dollar -- their highest level since the 2020 debt overhaul -- as investors reward fiscal consolidation efforts.
PetroEcuador Output Holds at 480,000 b/d as SOTE Pipeline Upgrades Near Completion
PetroEcuador maintained crude oil production at approximately 480,000 barrels per day in January 2026, with the company forecasting a return to 500,000 b/d by the third quarter following completion of critical SOTE pipeline upgrades.
Ecuador's National Assembly Opens Debate on $1.4bn Tax Reform Package
Ecuador's National Assembly began formal debate on a sweeping tax reform package projected to raise $1.4 billion annually, including a new digital services tax and expanded VAT base, as the government seeks to meet IMF fiscal targets.
Ecuador's Cacao Exports Hit $1.2bn Record as Fine-Aroma Demand Surges
Ecuador's cacao exports reached a record $1.2 billion in 2025, driven by surging global demand for fine-aroma Nacional variety beans that now command an 18% premium over West African bulk cacao.
Ecuador Shrimp Exports to Asia Surge 31% as Chinese Demand Rebounds
Ecuador's shrimp exports to Asian markets surged 31% in 2025 to reach $4.6 billion, according to the Camara Nacional de Acuacultura, with China overtaking the United States as the country's single largest shrimp buyer.
Cascabel Copper-Gold Project Advances to Pre-Feasibility as SolGold Secures $180mn Tranche
SolGold's Cascabel copper-gold project in northern Ecuador has advanced to the pre-feasibility stage, supported by a freshly secured $180 million financing tranche and an updated mineral resource estimate that confirms it as one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits globally.
Ecuador's Flower Exports Poised for Record Valentine's Season as US Orders Jump 16%
Ecuador's flower industry is on track for a record Valentine's Day export season, with US-bound orders up 16% year-on-year and Quito's cargo facilities processing over 35,000 tonnes of cut flowers in January alone.