Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Ecuador Prepares for Intensified El Niño Rains as Government Mobilizes Resources and Guayaquil Records Historic Rainfall
Ecuador's Inamhi anticipates El Niño rains will intensify between November and December 2026, continuing into early 2027, following the official declaration on August 29. The government has activated a national red alert and secured over $15 million from the World Bank to acquire 73 units of heavy machinery for emergency response, with 64 units already delivered.
Ecuador's Competition Regulator Approves Dunkin' Donuts Asset Acquisition
The Superintendencia de Competencia Económica (SCE) has authorized Restaurantes Unidos Restaunsa S.A. to acquire the productive and operational assets of Donut House S.A., which operates the Dunkin' Donuts brand in Ecuador. The SCE's analysis concluded the transaction poses no significant risks to competition.
Ecuador's Cooperative Sector Shows Stability Amidst El Niño Concerns
Ecuador's largest savings and credit cooperatives have demonstrated improved performance in key indicators through July 2026, including a reduction in the delinquency rate. However, the sector faces potential challenges from the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and associated risks.
Guayaquil Motorcycle Registration Compliance at 25% for 2026
As of September 2026, 75% of Guayaquil's motorcycle fleet, totaling an estimated 231,799 units, remains unregistered. The Authority of Transit and Mobility (ATM) reports a current compliance level of 25% for motorcycle registration.
Ecuador Implements Temporary Curfew in Four Provinces
A temporary curfew will be in effect in Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and El Oro from September 17 to September 30, 2026, restricting circulation daily between 00:00 and 05:00. The measure aims to intensify operations against organized crime.
Mabe Commits $35 Million to New Guayaquil Washing Plant
Mabe, a major appliance manufacturer, is investing $35 million in a new washing machine manufacturing plant in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Scheduled to begin operations in early 2027, this facility is projected to produce over 90,000 units annually for local and regional markets.
Cayambe Hospital Project Awarded Following Years of Announcements
President Daniel Noboa announced on September 10, 2026, that the new Cayambe Hospital project has been awarded, a development that follows over six years of prior announcements. The facility is projected to benefit more than 140,000 individuals.
El Niño 2026-2027: Anticipating Economic Impact on Ecuador's Productive Sector
Ecuador's productive sector faces potential significant economic impact from the strengthening El Niño phenomenon, with historical data from 1997-1998 showing 52.8% of national losses absorbed by businesses. Current forecasts indicate a high probability of a historic intensity event by late 2026, emphasizing the need for operational resilience.
Ecuador–Peru power link: two dated license announcements
Public 2023 and 2026 license announcements for the 500-kV power link, plus the IDB's implementation status.
ITT Equipment Failure Cut Output to About 15,000 Barrels a Day
An ITT processing-system failure interrupted production beginning September 6. The latest cited operating data precede today, so full restoration remains unverified.
Ecuador’s Banking Watchlist Identifies 74 Unauthorized Operators in 2026
September 9 reporting highlights 74 entries in the banking regulator’s 2026 unauthorized-entity registry. A check of the official list confirms the count.
Ecuador and Panama Set a Technical Path Toward a Partial-Scope Trade Agreement
Ecuador and Panama have signed terms of reference to begin negotiating a partial-scope economic complementarity agreement. The immediate commercial question is whether the technical agenda turns access to Panama’s logistics, services, and consumer market into enforceable terms.