Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Ecuador Releases $98.9M in Sinohydro Guarantees After Coca Codo Handover
Ecuador released $98.9 million in pending guarantees to Sinohydro on May 8 after the April 17 definitive acceptance of Coca Codo Sinclair, Primicias reports. The state retains a $36 million distributor-performance guarantee as it negotiates a 25-year operating and maintenance agreement with PowerChina.
Ecuador Grid Losses Estimated at 1,200 MW as Deficit Pressure Persists
Ecuador loses an estimated 1,200 MW in transmission and distribution, roughly equal to the average power deficit the country is trying to cover, according to Primicias/Revista Gestion. The report frames grid modernization as a potentially faster capacity lever than new generation alone.
Transport Scrappage Program Registers 1,019 Operators as $28M Rest-Area Plan Advances
More than 1,000 transport operators have registered in Ecuador's vehicle renewal plans and 174 units have been removed from circulation, Primicias reports. The government also plans eight rest areas for heavy transport corridors with an estimated $28 million investment.
BIESS Returns 35 of 37 Closed Complementary Pension Funds to Original Administrators
BIESS restored administration of 35 of 37 closed complementary pension funds to their original administrators, El Universo reports. The process reduces administrative load tied to funds that the institution says had generated more than $500,000 in costs.
Faszina Says Ecuador Supplies 50% of Its Exotic-Fruit Import Volume
Spanish importer Faszina Selected says Ecuador represents 50% of its import volume and between 80 and 120 weekly pallets of exotic fruit, El Universo reports. The company distributes through Barcelona's Mercabarna and says Ecuadorian supply is regular and stable throughout the year.
Decreto 394 Allocates $10.5M Diesel Compensation for Industrial Fishing
Decreto 394 creates an extraordinary, temporary, targeted and conditioned mechanism for the industrial fishing sector after the diesel price increase. Primicias reports the total budget is $10.5 million, with eligibility tied to vessel registration, permits, fuel invoices, tax and employer obligations, verified fishing activity and MAGP technical rules.
CECA-13 Cacao Clone Reports 1.8-2.0 Tons/Ha Annual Yields in El Oro
El Universo reports that the CECA-13 cacao clone was launched May 20 in El Oro by researcher Erwin Cango. Reported yields in the development zone reached 1.8-2.0 tons per hectare per year, with evaluations in other areas indicating a possible 30-35 quintals per hectare depending on agronomic management.
Ecuador Lists 15+ Trade Agreements After $5.032B Non-Oil Surplus
Ecuador has more than 15 new trade agreements on its agenda after a $5.032 billion non-oil trade surplus in 2025, according to El Universo. The report also cites $29.402 billion in non-oil exports, 26 investment contracts worth more than $1.049 billion, and $623.22 million in business closings from international promotion.
Ecuador Overdue Collections Portfolio Rises to About $2.5B, Asocob Says
Ecuador's overdue financial-system portfolio managed by collection firms has risen from about $1.6 billion before Covid-19 to about $2.5 billion, according to Primicias reporting on Asocob. The association cites overindebtedness, labor instability and spending priorities as key factors behind household arrears.
Amazon Biocorridor Plan Mobilizes About $460M Over 17 Years
Expreso reports that President Daniel Noboa announced roughly $460 million for the Biocorredor Amazonico over 17 years. The initiative is meant to strengthen protected areas, improve management of more than 26 million hectares of natural heritage and reinforce Ecuador's park-ranger corps.
Decreto 390 Sets Electric-Sector Diesel at $0.8042/Gal as Thermal Fuel Rules Change
Decreto Ejecutivo 390 sets diesel for the electric sector at $0.8042 per gallon and establishes Fuel Oil 4 prices of $0.48 at Refinería La Libertad and $0.62 at other dispatch points. The reform takes effect from 00:00 on May 22, 2026.
CELEC Has No Awards Across 205 MW Emergency Thermal Rental Pipeline
CELEC's plan to contract 205 MW in rented thermal generation has not produced an award as of May 22. Primicias reports Pascuales, Jaramijó and Miraflores have already faced deserted processes while Santa Elena and Guangopolo remain delayed.
