Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Colombia Import Tariff Refund Exposure Could Reach $254M
Ecuador may face refund claims tied to the Colombia import security charge, Primicias reports. A former SENAE legal director estimated approximately $220.9M in tariff collections plus about $33M in additional IVA, implying a potential $254M exposure before interest.
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.
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.
Millicom Plans Tigo Brand Consolidation for Movistar and Tuenti in Ecuador
Millicom's Ecuador transition is moving toward a single Tigo brand, Primicias reports. The company completed the $380 million acquisition of Telefónica's Ecuador mobile operations on October 30, 2025.
BlaBlaCar Enters Ecuador as Carpooling Platform Across Intercity Mobility Market
BlaBlaCar has entered Ecuador as a carpooling platform, Primicias reports. The company says it is present in 21 countries and is expanding into eight Latin American markets, including Ecuador.
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 Lists 15+ Trade Agreements After $5.032B Non-Oil Surplus
Ecuador has more than 15 new trade agreements on its agenda after a $5.032 billion non-oil trade surplus in 2025, according to El Universo. The report also cites $29.402 billion in non-oil exports, 26 investment contracts worth more than $1.049 billion, and $623.22 million in business closings from international promotion.
EV Sales Reach 3,124 Units in Jan-April as BYD Yuan Pro Enters Ecuador's Top Five Models
Ecuador sold 3,124 fully electric vehicles in the first four months of 2026, equal to 6.17% of the total new-vehicle market, according to Expreso. BYD Yuan Pro ranked fifth among all models with 834 units.
Ecuador–Argentina AC59 Addendum to Cut Vehicle Tariff from 16.1% to 10%; Adefa Projects Market Share to 2%
An addendum to the AC59 economic complementation agreement will reduce Ecuador's import tariff on Argentine-made vehicles from 16.1% to 10%. Adefa projects volume could triple to ~3,000 units (≈2% of market). Signature is expected in the second half of June; the deal is technically and legally agreed.
Bloque de Seguridad Militarizes Puerto Bolívar; 1,600-House Sweep Targets Drug Networks at Ecuador's Banana Export Hub
On May 14, 2026, Ecuador deployed its Bloque de Seguridad joint operation to Puerto Bolívar in El Oro province, with plans to search approximately 1,600 houses over the next three days. The port is a top channel for Ecuador's banana exports and has also been identified as a major cocaine transit point.
Ecuador and Morocco Sign JETCO Memorandum to Establish Joint Economic Committee; First Meeting in June, Business Council in Quito in September
Ecuador signed a memorandum with Morocco on May 12 establishing a Joint Economic and Commercial Committee (JETCO), with the inaugural session scheduled for June 2026 and a follow-on bilateral business council convening in Quito in September.