Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Ecumar EP to Emerge From Flopec-Astinave Fusion Under 180-Day Transition
Ecuador will merge Flopec and Astinave into Ecuador Maritimo Ecumar EP under a 180-day transition, El Universo and Primicias report. The new entity consolidates hydrocarbon transport, port logistics, shipbuilding, cabotage, foreign trade and technology functions inside a single maritime SOE.
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.
Agriculture Ministry Cites $4M El Nino Insurance Budget and Additional Rice-Reserve Capacity
Ecuador's Agriculture Ministry has a $4 million budget for agricultural-insurance premiums tied to potential El Nino impacts, El Universo reports. Minister Juan Carlos Vega also said the government is seeking storage and budget for 20,000 additional tons of rice, requiring about $8 million more.
Automotive Sector Billing Rises 28.4% to $2.946B in Q1 2026
Ecuador's automotive sector billed $2.946 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 28.4% from $2.296 billion in 2025, El Universo reports citing Aeade data. Vehicle commerce and repair accounted for $2.762 billion, while vehicle manufacturing contributed $187 million.
Ecuador Releases $98.9M in Sinohydro Guarantees After Coca Codo Handover
Ecuador released $98.9 million in pending guarantees to Sinohydro on May 8 after the April 17 definitive acceptance of Coca Codo Sinclair, Primicias reports. The state retains a $36 million distributor-performance guarantee as it negotiates a 25-year operating and maintenance agreement with PowerChina.
Ecuador Grid Losses Estimated at 1,200 MW as Deficit Pressure Persists
Ecuador loses an estimated 1,200 MW in transmission and distribution, roughly equal to the average power deficit the country is trying to cover, according to Primicias/Revista Gestion. The report frames grid modernization as a potentially faster capacity lever than new generation alone.
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.
BIESS Returns 35 of 37 Closed Complementary Pension Funds to Original Administrators
BIESS restored administration of 35 of 37 closed complementary pension funds to their original administrators, El Universo reports. The process reduces administrative load tied to funds that the institution says had generated more than $500,000 in costs.
Faszina Says Ecuador Supplies 50% of Its Exotic-Fruit Import Volume
Spanish importer Faszina Selected says Ecuador represents 50% of its import volume and between 80 and 120 weekly pallets of exotic fruit, El Universo reports. The company distributes through Barcelona's Mercabarna and says Ecuadorian supply is regular and stable throughout the year.
Decreto 394 Allocates $10.5M Diesel Compensation for Industrial Fishing
Decreto 394 creates an extraordinary, temporary, targeted and conditioned mechanism for the industrial fishing sector after the diesel price increase. Primicias reports the total budget is $10.5 million, with eligibility tied to vessel registration, permits, fuel invoices, tax and employer obligations, verified fishing activity and MAGP technical rules.
CECA-13 Cacao Clone Reports 1.8-2.0 Tons/Ha Annual Yields in El Oro
El Universo reports that the CECA-13 cacao clone was launched May 20 in El Oro by researcher Erwin Cango. Reported yields in the development zone reached 1.8-2.0 tons per hectare per year, with evaluations in other areas indicating a possible 30-35 quintals per hectare depending on agronomic management.
