Ecuador’s Export and Trade

What Does Ecuador Export The Most?

Shrimp was the top export in 2025 at $8,401.3 million, according to the Central Bank of Ecuador, followed by petroleum, crude oil and derivatives at $7,750.1 million. Cocoa brought in $4,668.3 million, bananas and plantains $4,262.4 million, fresh flowers $1,044.7 million. Total exports reached a record $37,152.0 million.

Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE) foreign trade statistics, published June 2026.

Natural resources and manufactured commodities are among Ecuador’s biggest exports. The top exports of the country in 2020 were:

• Petroleum crude and refined petroleum oils
• Bananas
• Cacao beans
• Textiles
• Cut flowers

From what we have gathered, Ecuador’s other noteworthy exports include shrimp, coffee, and fruits like mangoes and pineapples. According to the Central Bank of Ecuador, shrimp was the top non-oil export in 2025 at $8,401.3 million, followed by cocoa and elaborated products at $4,668.3 million and bananas and plantains at $4,262.4 million, and non-oil exports reached a record $29,401.9 million.

The nation is also renowned for being a significant exporter of precious metals like gold and silver.

Oil

Ecuador is a key player in crude oil production, with proven reserves exceeding 8 billion barrels. Ecuador left OPEC effective 1 January 2020 and is no longer a member. The oil industry remains the backbone of Ecuador’s economy, although its exports of crude oil and derivatives were worth USD 7,750.1 million in 2025, the lowest value in five years.

The country exports most of its oil to the U.S., China, and India, making these markets vital for sustaining its economic growth. This reliance on oil revenues underscores both the benefits and challenges Ecuador faces, as fluctuations in global oil prices directly impact its economy.

Agriculture and Fisheries

Banana

Ecuador holds its place as a top global exporter of bananas, a key export crop that thrives in various regions across the country. With ideal growing conditions year-round, Ecuador’s banana industry has flourished, helping make bananas one of the nation’s primary export commodities.

This widespread cultivation has established Ecuador as a leading banana supplier to global markets, making it a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural exports and contributing significantly to the economy.

Cocoa

Seafood

Ecuador is also a major player in the global seafood market, especially with its shrimp and tuna exports. The nation’s thriving fishing industry contributes about 4% to the country’s GDP, ranking it among the largest in the region. Ecuadorian shrimp, in particular, has gained a strong reputation for quality, and you’ll often find it in high demand across international markets.

The industry’s growth reflects Ecuador’s efforts in sustainable fishing practices and quality control, helping the nation solidify its position as a top seafood exporter.

Textiles

Ecuador’s textile industry is a vibrant part of its economy, with local artisans creating beautiful cotton, wool, and silk products often showcasing traditional designs. The handcrafted nature of many Ecuadorian textiles makes them unique and highly valued, blending cultural heritage with quality craftsmanship. The industry supports thousands of jobs nationwide, especially in rural areas where traditional weaving techniques have been passed down for generations. Textile exports contribute around 1% to Ecuador’s GDP, reflecting both the cultural and economic importance of this sector.

Cut Flowers

Tourism

What Does The US Get From Ecuador?

In 2025 the United States received $6,570 million of Ecuador's non-oil exports, second only to the European Union as a bloc, which took $7,237 million. China followed with $5,920 million. The United States has long been a major trading partner, and the two countries built a solid trade connection over the years.

Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment, based on Central Bank of Ecuador data. Oil exports are not included.

Ecuador’s commercial relationships are extensive, with goods exported to markets all around the world. Ecuador’s major trading partners in 2020 were:

• United States
• China
• Chile
• Peru
• Colombia

The United States is Ecuador’s leading trade partner. The two countries have built a solid trade connection over the years.

Another major trading partner is China, mainly for petroleum and mineral exports. Ecuador’s neighboring South American countries, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, are also significant trade partners.

What Trade Agreements Does Ecuador Have?

Ecuador belongs to the Andean Community of Nations together with Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, an agreement that allows the free movement of goods and services among members. It is an observer state of the Pacific Alliance, whose full members are Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Ecuador also participates in ALADI and the WTO, supporting trade growth.

Ecuador’s involvement in regional trade agreements has significantly boosted its export opportunities and access to new markets. One of the key agreements is with the Andean Community of Nations, which includes Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. This agreement facilitates the free movement of goods and services, enhancing trade among member countries. Additionally, Ecuador is an observer state of the Pacific Alliance, whose four full members are Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

Ecuador also benefits from its participation in larger trade organizations like the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), further supporting its goals for economic growth through trade and international cooperation.

What Challenges Does Ecuador's Export And Trade Industry Face?

Ecuador depends on a few primary exports such as petroleum and bananas, which makes its economy vulnerable to swings in global commodity prices. Infrastructure limitations complicate product transportation, although the government has invested in improving logistics. New trade agreements and tax incentives for exporters offer support, and the country's diverse exports and strategic location attract investors.

While Ecuador has seen remarkable growth in exports and trade, challenges persist. One of the key issues is its reliance on a few primary exports, such as petroleum and bananas. This reliance makes Ecuador vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices, which can impact its economy significantly. Additionally, the country faces infrastructure limitations that complicate product transportation. However, in recent years, the government has made significant investments in infrastructure to improve logistics and streamline shipping.

Despite these hurdles, Ecuador’s trade sector holds promising opportunities. The country’s diverse range of exports and strategic location are attracting international investors. The Ecuadorian government is also proactively supporting exports with policies aimed at boosting trade, including new trade agreements and tax incentives for exporters, which offer valuable support for economic growth.

What Did We Learn About Ecuador's Exports And Trade?

During our travels we met artisans crafting textiles in mountain towns and families running cacao farms, and we saw how deeply export industries like cocoa, flowers and bananas are woven into Ecuadorian life. We also met guides who shared their knowledge of Ecuador's landscapes, and artisans who rely on tourism to support their craft.

Ecuador’s trade and tourism are more than just economic drivers—they’re the backbone of so many lives and communities we encountered on our travels. From artisans crafting textiles in mountain towns to families running cacao farms, it was eye-opening to see how deeply woven export industries like cocoa, flowers, and bananas are into Ecuadorian life.

As travelers, we’re part of the bigger picture, too. We met guides who shared their deep knowledge of Ecuador’s landscapes, and artisans who rely on tourism to support their craft. Ecuador is not only expanding its global connections but also finding ways to ensure the sustainability of these industries. The country is growing, evolving, and building opportunities, both for its people and for visitors like us, who get to experience its vibrant culture and natural beauty firsthand.