Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
SENAE Seeks $17.2M Palantir Foundry Renewal Through CNT
Ecuador's customs service is seeking a $17.2 million Palantir Foundry renewal, plus $2.6 million in IVA, through CNT, Primicias reports. SENAE argues non-renewal would affect customs-control processes, risk analysis, intelligence capacity and fiscal collection.
Assembly Begins SUCRE Exit Process With 20-Day Report Window
Ecuador's Assembly has begun processing the country's withdrawal from the SUCRE payment-compensation treaty, Primicias reports. The committee has 20 days to prepare a report and approval would require 77 votes in plenary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Decreto 378 Extends Inter-Provincial Bus Subsidy to June 15; Urban Fare Pressure Builds Across Five Cities
Executive Decree 378, signed May 8, prorogues central government compensation payments to inter- and intra-provincial transport operators through June 15, 2026, pushing the fiscal and political fight over urban fares into mid-2026. Five major cities are at different stages of the same cost-recovery problem.
Ecuador's UAFE Launches Regional Anti-Money-Laundering Operation with Colombia and Peru; Quito, Guayaquil Airports, Huaquillas and Rumichaca Borders Targeted
Ecuador's Financial Analysis Unit (UAFE) activated its first regional anti-money-laundering operation of 2026 in coordination with Colombian and Peruvian counterparts, targeting the Quito and Guayaquil international airports and the Huaquillas and Rumichaca land borders.
SRI Limits Credit Note Use to 60% of Tax Obligations — 40% Cash Requirement Takes Effect May 1
Ecuador's tax authority has imposed a 60% cap on the use of credit notes to satisfy tax obligations, effective May 1. The remaining 40% — including any fines and interest — must be paid in cash through approved channels. Tax specialists argue the restriction exceeds the SRI's administrative authority and conflicts with the Tax Code.
Ecuador Cuts Tourism IVA to 8% for May Day Weekend via Decree 368 — Fiscal Stimulus for $2.3B Sector
President Noboa signed Executive Decree 368 on April 27, temporarily reducing the IVA from 15% to 8% on tourism services for the May Day long weekend (April 30–May 3). The measure covers accommodation, dining, tourist transport, vehicle rental, travel agencies, and events. The SRI is responsible for implementation.