Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
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.
OIM Opens SME Fund Offering Up to $40,000 in Ecuador
The OIM Enterprise Development Fund opened a call for SMEs in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Manta, Ambato and Ibarra. Selected companies may receive $20,000 to $40,000 for expansion, innovation, productive strengthening and job creation.
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.
BIESS Quirografario Loans Reach $1.963B Placement
BIESS has placed $1.963 billion in quirografario consumer loans through 1.18 million operations. The product offers up to $38,560 depending on reserve-fund and severance guarantees, with repayment terms of up to 60 months.
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.
LATAM Ecuador to Distribute 6M Paccari Minibars Annually
LATAM Airlines Ecuador will distribute about 6 million Paccari chocolate minibars per year through its international onboard service. The partnership places the Ecuadorian brand on more than 25 routes connecting Europe, Oceania, the United States and Africa.
State Transfers $927M to IESS Pension Subsidy Through May
Ecuador transferred $927 million to IESS for the state 40% pension contribution from January through May 2026. The figure equals 34.53% of the $2.684 billion coded annual budget, with $306.5 million recognized but not yet paid.
Ecuador Country Risk Falls Below 400 for First Time Since 2014
Ecuador's country-risk indicator fell to 396 points on June 3, its lowest level since October 2014. The measure is down 96 points since the start of 2026 and 1,620 points since President Daniel Noboa took office.
Powerchina Coca Codo Contract Now Expected by December
Ecuador now expects the Powerchina operating contract for Coca Codo Sinclair by December, later than the July timing previously expected. The 25-year contract would pay $47 million per year for operation of the 1,500 MW hydro plant.
Consumer Credit Expansion Drives Ecuador Auto-Sales Rebound
Ecuador's consumer-credit volume rose from $1.628 billion to $2.238 billion from January through April, a 37.4% increase. Auto-sector leaders say financing supports about 60% of new-vehicle sales and is driving the 2026 rebound.
