Ecuador Opens Dominican Republic Trade Talks After USD 148M Export Year

Ecuador and the Dominican Republic began the first round of negotiations on July 6 for a partial-scope agreement aimed at widening trade access.

The stated objective is to strengthen bilateral commercial relations, expand access for Ecuadorian products in that market, and create new opportunities for national productive sectors.

Negotiating Scope

The first round is being conducted virtually. The negotiating agenda includes market access, rules of origin, trade facilitation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, trade defense, dispute settlement, and institutional matters.

The process starts from a positive Ecuadorian trade position. In 2025, Ecuador exported USD 148 million to the Dominican Republic and imported USD 19 million, leaving a positive trade balance of USD 128 million.

From January through March 2026, Ecuadorian exports to that market grew 11.4% compared with the same period of the previous year.

Export Basket

The main Ecuadorian products sold to the Dominican Republic include raw tobacco, electrical devices, metal manufactures, shrimp, and natural flowers.

The second round of negotiations is expected to take place in person in the Dominican Republic in the coming weeks.

For companies tracking Ecuador's trade agenda, the near-term signal is sector access. A partial-scope agreement would not be a full trade deal, but the negotiating list covers the operational rules that matter for exporters: origin, facilitation, technical barriers, sanitary requirements, and dispute channels.