Growth of Exports
President Daniel Noboa and President Xi Jinping met on August 18, underscoring China’s importance in Ecuador’s economy. Between January and May 2026, Ecuador’s non-petroleum exports to China reached $3.043 billion, a 30.5 % increase over the same period in 2025. The Free Trade Agreement, effective since May 2024, opened preferential conditions, but having an agreement does not guarantee higher sales. Shrimp, copper, minerals, banana and wood products still concentrate a large part of Ecuador’s supply. China receives 113 products from the country and more than 412 companies are linked to that market. The opportunity lies in expanding that base.
Barriers and Diversification Opportunities
To turn a growing commercial relationship into a state policy, the government must manage the FTA permanently, accelerate sanitary protocols, resolve technical barriers, support new exporters and seek investments that bring infrastructure, technology and productive capacity. A presidential meeting can unlock decisions; the outcome depends on what follows in ministries, health agencies, customs, universities and companies. Private companies must study consumers, adapt presentations, build brands, find reliable distributors and compete with traceability and added value. Market size does not replace a commercial strategy.
Imports and Productive Chains
Between January and May 2026, Ecuador imported about $3.702 billion from China. Nearly 78 % of non-petroleum imports are inputs used in national production. The relationship is not limited to selling shrimp and buying finished products: it also feeds Ecuadorian productive chains.
Challenges and Recommendations
Diversifying markets reduces dependencies, but it does not mean accepting any investment or condition. Chinese projects, like those from any country, need transparency, clear rules, environmental assessment, legal security and verifiable benefits for Ecuador. That requirement strengthens the relationship rather than weakens it. Ecuador needs diversified, predictable relationships guided by results. China offers scale, investment and demand; Ecuador must provide quality, legal security, negotiating capacity and institutional continuity. The next step is not to get closer to China by reflex, but to know why to get closer, what to negotiate and how to turn each agreement into lasting productive capacity for the coming decades.
