Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Agricominsa Cleared to Acquire Plásticos Ecuatorianos Assets
The Superintendence of Economic Competition authorized Agricominsa to acquire assets linked to the productive and commercial activities of Plásticos Ecuatorianos S.A. The transaction covers a packaging company founded in Guayaquil in 1967 and linked to Tonicorp.
World Cup Demand Pushes Ecuador Fashion Retail Beyond Jerseys
Ecuador's World Cup apparel demand is expanding beyond sports jerseys into guayaberas, polos, blazers, suits and casual wear. Pical sold more than 500 licensed Tri polo shirts across 39 stores, while Guayaberas Orellana launched a $50 guayamisa.
Port Reform Targets 12,000 Abandoned Containers in Ecuador
Ecuador is advancing a COPCI reform to reduce an annual backlog of more than 12,000 abandoned containers in national ports. The retained cargo is valued at about $450 million, with average waits of 365 days and some immobilized goods stored for more than 18 years.
Arcamia Opens Cumbaya Concept Store After 20% Sales Growth
Arcamia opened a new Experience-format store in Cumbaya after annual sales reached $1.8 million, up 20% from 2024. The company currently operates seven stores in Quito and Cuenca and says it is evaluating expansion to additional Ecuadorian cities in 2026.
Ecuador Air Travel Remains at 0.45 Trips Per Capita
Ecuador recorded 0.45 air trips per capita in 2025, below Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Chile. IATA figures show upside in the market, with Ecuador posting 11.1% growth in routes, 0.9% in frequencies and 13.4% in seats.
U.S. Proposes 10% Tariff Measure for Ecuador
The United States is proposing a 10% tariff measure for Ecuador as part of a Section 301 review covering 60 economies and forced-labor import enforcement. Ecuador's current 10% U.S. surcharge expires July 24, making the new measure a potential replacement rather than a separate short-term shock.
Cyber Monday Ecuador Targets Up to $1.6B in June Sales
Ecuador's June Cyber Monday campaign is projected to move between $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion in associated sales. The Chamber of Commerce of Guayaquil expects more than 700,000 visits, with more than 30 companies participating from June 8 to 14.
SRI Adds 70 Import Subheadings to Reduced ISD List
Ecuador’s SRI updated the list of import tariff subheadings eligible for a reduced 2.5% ISD rate. Fedexpor identified 70 new subheadings added to the preferential list and 17 subheadings removed.
Colombia Import Tariff Refund Exposure Could Reach $254M
Ecuador may face refund claims tied to the Colombia import security charge, Primicias reports. A former SENAE legal director estimated approximately $220.9M in tariff collections plus about $33M in additional IVA, implying a potential $254M exposure before interest.
Plasticaucho Targets Football and Running With 50,000-Pair Venus Launch
Plasticaucho is expanding the Venus brand into football and running footwear, Primicias reports. The Ambato manufacturer is targeting at least 50,000 pairs in the first year after reporting $102.4 million in 2025 sales and $5.5 million in net profit.
Ecuador Moves to Eliminate Colombia Security Tariff From June 1
Ecuador plans to eliminate the security tariff on Colombian imports from June 1, Primicias reports. The tariff had reached 100%, while Colombia imposed 35%-75% tariffs on about 191 Ecuadorian products and halted electricity sales.
Ciauto Plans $70M 2026 Investment as Ecuador Auto Assembly Rebalances
Ciauto plans to invest $70 million in 2026 despite concern over Ecuador's automotive agreement with Argentina, Primicias reports. The Ambato assembler produced 2,992 vehicles in the first quarter, or 61% of local industry output.
