Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Colombia Removes 30% Tariffs on Ecuadorian Goods After CAN Dispute
Colombia removed the 30% reciprocal tariffs on selected Ecuadorian goods through Decree 0583, derogating Decree 170 of February 20, 2026. Rice tariffs will be dismantled within 45 days as customs controls are strengthened along the southern border.
Ecuador Checks Fuel Chain as Esmeraldas Refinery Recovers to Nearly 90%
Ecuador is verifying fuel inventories, dispatches and station operations before the June 12 monthly price update. Authorities say Esmeraldas refinery recovery lifted capacity from 40% to nearly 90% after a $15.7 million repair effort.
World Cup Demand Could Lift Ecuador June Sales to $25.609B
Ecuador's June sales are estimated at $25.609 billion, up 10.1% from $23.269 billion in June 2025. Commerce alone is projected at $10.701 billion, up 14%, as World Cup demand flows through restaurants, bars, sports retail, electronics, delivery and telecoms.
Ecuador VAT Revenue Reaches $4.068B Through April
Ecuador collected $4.068 billion in VAT from January through April 2026, up 15% from $3.549 billion a year earlier. VAT represented about 46.5% of total tax revenue, while internal sales reached $53.903 billion in January-March, up 12%.
Petroecuador Restructuring Plan Points to Mixed-Capital Model
Ecuador's energy ministry is evaluating a mixed-capital model for Petroecuador that would maintain state control while opening up to private investment. The concept would require legal reform and could allow private participation up to 49%, with 51% under state control.
Agricominsa Cleared to Acquire Plásticos Ecuatorianos Assets
The Superintendence of Economic Competition authorized Agricominsa to acquire assets linked to the productive and commercial activities of Plásticos Ecuatorianos S.A. The transaction covers a packaging company founded in Guayaquil in 1967 and linked to Tonicorp.
World Cup Demand Pushes Ecuador Fashion Retail Beyond Jerseys
Ecuador's World Cup apparel demand is expanding beyond sports jerseys into guayaberas, polos, blazers, suits and casual wear. Pical sold more than 500 licensed Tri polo shirts across 39 stores, while Guayaberas Orellana launched a $50 guayamisa.
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.
