Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
SRI Promotes 50%-75% Income-Tax Deduction for Youth Hiring
SRI is promoting an employer income-tax incentive that allows a 50% additional deduction for hiring workers aged 18-29, rising to 75% in specified education cases. Construction and agriculture employers may also apply a 75% additional deduction for new hires.
Marine-Coastal Law Creates Wave Registry and Rules for Ports, Tourism, Fishing and Energy
The National Assembly approved the Ley Orgánica de Gobernanza del Espacio Marino-Costero on May 21. Expreso reports the law creates a national registry for breaking-wave zones and regulates activities including fishing, tourism, port development and sea-linked energy projects.
Mining Fiscalization Fee Collects About $40M Versus $229M Target as Legal Challenges Advance
Ecuador's mining fiscalization fee has collected around $40 million, compared with a $229 million government target, according to Expreso. The Chamber of Mining argues the charge discourages investment and says constitutional claims are moving through the Court.
Campo Amistad Adds 3M Cubic Feet per Day, Lifting Gas Output to 27.6M Cubic Feet
Campo Amistad increased daily natural-gas production by 3 million cubic feet after work on Amistad 7, Primicias reports. Total output reached 27.6 million cubic feet, with Petroecuador planning additional interventions on wells 8, 14 and 9.
Mining Exports Reach $1.381B in Q1, With Fruta del Norte and Mirador at 75% of Value
Ecuadorian mining exports reached $1.381 billion through March 2026, up 65% year over year, according to Primicias. Fruta del Norte and Mirador represented 75% of mining export value in the quarter.
EV Sales Reach 3,124 Units in Jan-April as BYD Yuan Pro Enters Ecuador's Top Five Models
Ecuador sold 3,124 fully electric vehicles in the first four months of 2026, equal to 6.17% of the total new-vehicle market, according to Expreso. BYD Yuan Pro ranked fifth among all models with 834 units.
Mortgage Disbursements Rise 22% in Q1 as Ecuador Housing Demand Indicators Improve
Mortgage disbursements grew 22% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to Primicias. Housing sales rose 12.5% in January-February, project visits rose 16%, and net reservations rose 23%.
Cangrejos Gold Project Pays First $34M in Advance Royalties; Total Obligation Set at $54M
ODIN Mining confirmed payment of $34 million in advance royalties at contract signing for the Cangrejos gold project in El Oro. The company will pay $54 million in total, with remaining installments tied to plant construction, tailings facility construction and start of operations.
ARCH Opens Sanction Proceedings Against 18 Fuel Marketers Over 448 Station Stock Reports
Ecuador's hydrocarbons regulator opened sanction proceedings against 18 fuel marketers for not reporting stocks at 448 stations between May 9 and May 12. ARCH says the omissions obstruct dispatch management and service continuity; distributors argue the shortage was caused by government import logistics.
Decree 387 Reorients Ecuador Free Zones Toward Tech Services With 51% Presence Rule
President Daniel Noboa issued Decree 387 on May 18, reforming Ecuador's free-zone regulation to prioritize technology services and the knowledge economy. The decree authorizes tech activities, allows hybrid work, and sets a 51% monthly in-zone presence requirement unless technically justified otherwise.
CFN and IDB Sign $200M+ Credit Line for Ecuador SMEs, Targeting Amazon Bioeconomy Businesses
CFN and the IDB signed loan contracts on May 15 to channel more than $200 million to Ecuador's productive sector through the national financial system. The line targets SMEs, with resources oriented to Amazon bioeconomy businesses.
Comptroller Audit Finds $18.8M in Petroecuador Liabilities in Sacha Contract Liquidation
Ecuador's Comptroller approved a special examination assigning $18.8 million in civil and administrative responsibilities to Petroecuador over the liquidation of a Campo Sacha gas-compression contract. The audit cites unjustified retroactive interest and omitted collection of fines and receivables.
