Ecuador's Non-Traditional Industrialized Exports Surge to $3.03 Billion in First Seven Months of 2026

Ecuador's non-traditional industrialized exports experienced substantial growth in the first seven months of 2026, reaching a total of $3.03 billion, according to figures from the Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE). This segment's expansion was notably propelled by increased shipments of fruit juices and preserves, banana products, and vegetable oils and extracts, demonstrating a positive trend compared to the same periods in 2025 and 2024.

Collectively, these three categories accounted for $475.4 million of the total non-traditional industrialized exports during the January-July 2026 period. This represents an increase from $351.6 million in 2025 and $312.6 million in 2024 for these specific products.

Xavier Rosero, executive president of the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (Fedexpor), indicated that this growth aligns with the country's strategy to diversify its processed product offerings, complementing fresh fruit exports. This approach helps mitigate limitations related to fresh produce shelf life and transport conditions for distant markets.

Vegetable extracts and oils emerged as a primary growth driver, with exports rising from $114.7 million in 2024 to $140.1 million in 2025, and further to $224.4 million in 2026. This 60.2% increase over the previous year positions this group as the leading contributor to the non-traditional industrialized segment's growth this year. The National Federation of the Ecuadorian Palm Oil Productive Chain (Propalma) attributed this growth to the recovery of areas affected by bud rot.

Banana products also showed consistent growth, with exports increasing from $132.3 million in 2024 to $151.1 million in 2025, and reaching $169.6 million in 2026. This represents a 12.2% increase between 2025 and 2026. The Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE) noted that banana purees and pastes were the main contributors, increasing 15% in value and 11.4% in volume. Conversely, banana flour and dried banana saw volume reductions of 12.6% and 14.4%, respectively.

For plantain products, the Association of Plantain Exporters (Asoexpla) reported sustained demand from the United States and diversification into European Union markets such as Spain, France, Poland, and the Netherlands. In 2026, a first export of plantain chips to China, involving two containers, was materialized. Eduardo Manrique, executive director of Asoexpla, highlighted that international demand for processed plantain products is increasing due to a trend towards healthy foods, with plantain slices holding a 35% market share in buying countries.

Fruit juices and preserves, after a slight decrease from $65.6 million in 2024 to $60.4 million in 2025, recovered significantly to $81.4 million in 2026. This 34.8% growth compared to 2025 surpasses the 2024 value. Carla Muirragui, executive president of the National Association of Food and Beverage Manufacturers (Anfab), identified three key drivers for the sector: a focus on added value, leveraging tariff advantages from trade agreements, and an active pursuit of certifications alongside increased exchange rate competitiveness. The European Union remains a key market for premium juices, nectars, and preserves with organic and sustainable certifications, while the United States and Japan are also significant markets for Ecuadorian fruit juices and concentrates.

What to watch

Continued monitoring of global demand for processed agricultural products, particularly healthy food trends, will be crucial for sustaining this growth. The impact of ongoing trade agreements and the effectiveness of diversification strategies into new markets, such as China for plantain chips, warrant close observation. Additionally, the recovery of agricultural areas, as seen with palm oil, and its sustained effect on export volumes will be a key indicator for future performance.

Sources: eluniverso.com.