The U.S. Embassy in Quito is committed to supporting U.S. companies that wish to start exporting or grow their exports to Ecuador. In this section, you will find a quick description of Ecuador as an export market and some suggestions for getting started.
Ecuador, with a population of 18 million inhabitants, is a small-to-medium market for U.S. exports. In 2022, U.S. exports in goods to Ecuador accounted for $7.9 billion, which constituted a 23 percent share of the country’s total imports. Ecuador has made recent advances in its trade relationship with the United States, signing a Protocol on Trade Rules and Transparency in December 2020. The United States is Ecuador’s top trade partner.
Ecuador’s real annual GDP growth was 2.9 percent in 2022, with nominal GDP totaling $110.3 billion. The economy grew 2.9 percent in 2022 after a -7.8 percent contraction in 2020. The Central Bank of Ecuador projects a 2.6 percent economic growth in 2023.
Although economic and trade policies sometimes exhibit inconsistent application and frequent changes, Ecuador remains a market with significant potential for U.S. firms. Ecuadorian consumers view American products as attractive and of high quality. Ecuador is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Andean Community of Nations (CAN).
Both the Embassy in Quito and the Consulate General in Guayaquil stand ready to assist U.S. firms in developing successful commercial relationships with Ecuadorian partners.
The Country Commercial Guide is a comprehensive reference on the commercial and investment landscape in Ecuador.
For Ecuadorian firms seeking U.S. products and connecting with U.S. suppliers, the U.S. trade shows list is a useful tool.