Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
US Tariff Hike to 15% Costs Ecuador's Shrimp Industry an Estimated $20M Per Month as Total Burden Reaches 18.78%
The United States raised tariffs on Ecuadorian imports from a 10% baseline to 15% effective August 7, adding to existing 3.78% countervailing duties for a combined burden of 18.78% on the world's largest shrimp exporter. CNA estimates the cost at $20 million per month, yet S&P Global notes Ecuador may paradoxically benefit as India faces even steeper US tariff walls.
Cacao Prices Retreat to $4,500/Ton but Ecuador Export Volumes Set to Surpass 600,000 Tons
Global cacao prices have fallen to approximately $4,500 per ton, down sharply from the December 2024 peak of $12,483. Despite the correction, Ecuador's export volumes are projected to exceed 600,000 tons in 2026, with the sector expected to generate over $1 billion in additional revenue.
US Tariff Cut on Indian Shrimp From 50% to 18% Threatens Ecuador's Hard-Won Market Dominance
The United States' decision to cut tariffs on Indian shrimp imports from 50% to 18% poses a direct threat to Ecuador's position as the top US shrimp supplier -- a status achieved only recently after Ecuador's shrimp exports totalled $6.99 billion in 2024. CNA president Jose Antonio Camposano is pressing the government to negotiate better trade terms.
Ecuador's Cacao Exports Hit $1.2bn Record as Fine-Aroma Demand Surges
Ecuador's cacao exports reached a record $1.2 billion in 2025, driven by surging global demand for fine-aroma Nacional variety beans that now command an 18% premium over West African bulk cacao.
Ecuador's Flower Exports Poised for Record Valentine's Season as US Orders Jump 16%
Ecuador's flower industry is on track for a record Valentine's Day export season, with US-bound orders up 16% year-on-year and Quito's cargo facilities processing over 35,000 tonnes of cut flowers in January alone.