The recent official visit of Ecuador’s president to Brazil marked a turning point in bilateral relations. The most significant announcement was the possible reopening of the Brazilian market to Ecuadorian shrimp, which had been suspended in December 2024. Ecuador, the world’s leading exporter of this product, had come to cover more than 40% of Brazilian demand, so regaining this destination represents a strategic opportunity in a global context of trade tensions and the need for diversification.

At the same time, the return of Ecuadorian bananas to the Brazilian market was confirmed after more than two decades of restrictions. Initially, they will enter in their dehydrated form, while a risk analysis is completed that could enable fresh fruit to be imported by the end of the year. An initial shipment of 50,000 boxes per week is estimated, with the potential to double depending on demand. The bilateral meeting also included a review of the trade agreement with Mercosur, in force for more than 20 years, with a view to expanding tariff benefits. Brazil, for its part, seeks to strengthen its exports to Ecuador, with pork being one of its main interests.

In 2024, non-oil trade between the two countries reached USD 1.09 billion, with Ecuadorian exports totaling USD 132 million (14% more than in 2023), concentrated in minerals, plastics, canned tuna, vehicles, and shrimp, which together accounted for 65% of the total. Beyond the economic aspect, the visit strengthened political and diplomatic cooperation, projecting the Ecuador-Brazil relationship as a key axis for regional stability and integration in the future.