Ecuadorian tuna arrives in China with 0% tariff as a benefit of the trade agreement that came into force on May 1, 2024, has allowed Ecuadorian canned tuna to access the Chinese market with zero tariff, eliminating the previous 5% tariff. This tariff reduction has facilitated the first export of Ecuadorian canned tuna to China, which was made official on February 14, 2025 in Beijing.
Although China has not been a major market for Ecuadorian tuna, this opening represents an important step in the diversification of destinations for the country’s exports. In 2022, shipments of tuna loins and canned tuna accounted for 66% of Ecuador’s fish exports, totaling $1.27 billion out of a total of $1.914 billion.
The elimination of the 5% tariff for Ecuadorian tuna in China improves the competitiveness of this product in the Chinese market. However, it is important to note that the agreement maintains tariffs for Chinese tuna entering Ecuador, thus protecting the local tuna industry from possible external threats. The entry into force of the trade agreement with China and the consequent elimination of tariffs for Ecuadorian canned tuna opens up new opportunities for Ecuadorian trade, allowing for greater market diversification and strengthening the presence of Ecuadorian products in the Asian market.