Ecuador’s Non-Oil Exports Hit a Record $25.2 Billion in 2025 — Shrimp, Cocoa, and Bananas Lead the Way

Ecuador just posted the best non-oil export numbers in its history — and for a country that has long depended on petroleum revenue to balance its budget, that’s a big deal.

The Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (Fedexpor) reports that non-petroleum, non-mining exports reached $25.202 billion in 2025, a 16% increase over 2024’s $21.745 billion.

The Numbers

By Sector

| Sector | 2025 Revenue | Growth | |--------|-------------|--------| | Agriculture | $12.088 billion | +17% | | Aquaculture & Fishing | $10.800 billion | +17% | | Manufacturing | $2.314 billion | +5% |

Top Products

| Product | 2025 Revenue | Growth | |---------|-------------|--------| | Shrimp | $8.401 billion | +20% | | Cocoa | $4.668 billion | +29% | | Bananas | $4.262 billion | +11% | | Canned fish | $1.848 billion | +10% | | Flowers | $1.045 billion | +3% |

Export volume also climbed: Ecuador shipped 12.935 million tons across all markets, a 9% increase.

Including Mining

When mining products are added, total non-petroleum exports reached $29.402 billion — an 18.3% increase and an additional $4.553 billion compared to 2024.

Where It’s Going

| Market | 2025 Revenue | Share | |--------|-------------|-------| | European Union | $7.237 billion | 23% | | United States | $6.570 billion | +30.3% | | China | $5.920 billion | +16.4% |

The U.S. surge — a 30% jump — is particularly notable. Ecuador’s shrimp competes directly with Asian producers in the American market, and it’s winning.

Why Cocoa Exploded

Cocoa’s 29% growth reflects both higher global prices (driven by supply shortages in West Africa) and Ecuador’s positioning as a premium cacao origin. Ecuadorian “fino de aroma” cacao commands premium prices from craft chocolate makers worldwide. The country is the world’s third-largest cocoa exporter.

What This Means for Expats

• Economic stability: Export diversification is the single best protection for Ecuador’s dollarized economy. When oil prices drop, these non-oil revenues provide a buffer that keeps the government funded and the economy functioning
• Job creation: Agricultural and aquaculture exports employ hundreds of thousands of Ecuadorians, particularly on the coast and in rural areas. A strong export sector means lower unemployment and less migration pressure
• U.S.-Ecuador trade relations: The 30% surge in exports to the United States strengthens the bilateral relationship — which matters for visa policy, security cooperation, and the trade preferences Ecuador relies on
• Cost of living angle: Strong exports mean strong dollar inflows, which supports domestic consumption. However, global demand for Ecuadorian cocoa and shrimp can also push local prices higher — you may have noticed chocolate and seafood aren’t as cheap as they were five years ago
• Investment signal: These numbers attract foreign investment. More investment means more infrastructure, more services, and a more developed economy over time

Sources: El Universo, Fedexpor, Banco Central del Ecuador