Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
A 30-egg carton rose about 20% between July and August, with some markets above USD 4.50. Producers point to lower output, feed costs, and demand from Peru.
More than 20 Ecuadorian companies joined a program on biodiversity finance, including firms from agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, circular economy, and ecotourism. The program covered credits, biodiversity bonds, and ESG reporting, building on Banco Bolivariano's prior USD 80 million blue bond and USD 120 million biodiversity bond.
Ecuador now requires sampling and technical verification before processed mineralized material headed to China can be exported or commercially transferred. The measure covers gold and copper and arrives as China accounted for 94.73% of Ecuador’s copper-concentrate export volume in the first half of 2026.
More than 21,000 IESS affiliates accessed unemployment insurance from January through July 2026. The benefit is paid over five months, but the two available options trade higher monthly payments against the use of the individual severance balance.
Ecuador’s customs service says it collected USD 168.57 million in one week, 7.8% above the previous record and 74% above the average of the last 52 weeks. The Guayaquil Maritime District generated USD 102.83 million and exceeded its weekly projection by more than 50%.
Ecuador’s long-term growth agenda proposes redesigning tax incentives around measurable outcomes such as employment, investment, and production. The proposal is still a framework, not a new benefit businesses can claim today.
President Daniel Noboa says the next monthly adjustment will lower diesel and Extra and Ecopais gasoline prices slightly, despite higher international fuel costs.
Locally assembled vehicles reached 1,649 sales in July, up 38% from a year earlier. A new Ecuador-Argentina agreement sets a reciprocal 10% vehicle tariff and preferential quotas for 3,000 units from each country over 10 years.
Ecuador’s multilateral debt rose from USD 9.453 billion in 2018 to USD 28 billion in May 2026, while annual debt service now exceeds USD 3.4 billion, according to an OPF analysis.
Ecuador’s average effective credit rate fell from 12.81% to 11.58% year over year, while the August reference rate is 6.79%. The biggest reductions are showing up in corporate, SME, and microcredit segments.
Tigo says Movistar and Tuenti users will keep their numbers, plans, chips, payment methods, and channels of service while the brands transition.
Commercial transport taxpayers, excluding taxis, have until December 31 to update the RUC and adapt electronic invoices to include vehicle plates.
