Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Ecuador Has Gone Three Months Without Domestic Premium Diesel Output
Ecuador has gone three months without producing premium diesel, Primicias reports. Imports rose 70.97% year over year in March and 98.58% in April while import prices reached $165.45 and $183.43 per barrel, respectively.
Ecuador Carbon-Market Technical Rule Enters Force
Ecuador's Ministry of Environment and Energy has put the ARTTRM technical rule into force, El Universo reports. The framework is designed to support participation in international carbon markets and channel investment into mitigation projects in energy, industry, waste and agriculture.
Banco Pichincha Reports 6.5M Customers and 82% Digital Transactions
Banco Pichincha says it now serves more than 6.5 million customers, equal to 37% of Ecuador's population, El Universo reports. The bank cites 82% digital transactions, $14.1 billion in productive-credit portfolio and $1.5 billion in sustainable project financing.
MAE Sets Oil-Production Roadmap Around Stabilization, Private Marginal Fields
Ecuador's Ministry of Environment and Energy has outlined a roadmap to stabilize crude output and bring private operators into marginal fields, El Universo reports. Petroecuador production fell 2.55% in the first four months of 2026, while national fiscalized output averaged 458,732 bpd.
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.
MAGP Pushes Social-Security Affiliation for Artisanal Fishers
Ecuador's government is expanding social-security affiliation efforts for artisanal fishers, El Universo reports. Seguro Social Campesino records show 5,743 affiliated fishers in Manabi, Guayas and Santa Elena, with two 2026 campaigns in Manta and Jaramijo.
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.
Ecuador Rice Prices Fall to Five-Year Low After Colombia Trade Rupture
Ecuador's rice sector is facing its worst price level in five years, Primicias reports. Corpnoarroz says the Colombia trade rupture blocked a market that absorbed about 100,000 tons of annual Ecuadorian surplus.
Coca Codo Erosion Risk Rises Ahead of June-July Amazon Rain Peak
June and July historically bring the Coca River's highest flows, increasing risk around Coca Codo Sinclair's intake works, Primicias reports. The regressive-erosion front remained 3.6 km from the intake in the latest published report before the May 21 dike damage.
Programmed Power Cuts Cover 54 Cities in 15 Provinces With User Compensation
Ecuador will apply scheduled electricity cuts in 54 cities across 15 provinces during two consecutive weekends, Primicias reports. Energy Minister Juan Carlos Blum said the work is tied to preventive maintenance and system strengthening ahead of a possible El Nino event.
SRI Makes IVA Declarations Valid Only With Payment Starting June 1
Ecuador's tax authority will require IVA declaration and payment to occur simultaneously from June 1, Primicias reports. Late filing can trigger a 3% penalty on the amount due or 0.1% of gross sales or income when no IVA is determined.
