Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
El Comercio reports that President Daniel Noboa announced Ecuador will begin acquiring medicines from India, with negotiations already underway and an expected arrival in about three weeks. The amount, medicine types and first hospitals have not yet been detailed.
Expreso reports that at least 60% of Ecuadorian households live on $513 a month or less, citing El Quantificador data based on INEC figures. INEC's April ENEMDU report put average monthly labor income at $513 nationally.
El Universo reports that Ecuador recorded 273,554 active labor contracts from January through April 2026, with 171,735 concentrated in one broad macrosector covering agriculture, construction, commerce, finance, professional services and health-related work.
La Hora reports that Ecuador recorded 262 massacre events in 2025 and 94 more in the first quarter of 2026, citing the Observatorio Ecuatoriano de Crimen Organizado.
Primicias reports that Ecuador's overdue financial-system portfolio managed by collection firms has risen from about $1.6 billion before Covid-19 to about $2.5 billion today, according to Asocob.
Celec says high river flows, sediment and rocky material damaged part of the Coca Codo Sinclair area after more than 20 continuous hours of pressure from the Coca River. El Comercio reports the national electric system remains guaranteed, but the episode shows why Amazon river conditions still matter for electricity users across Ecuador.
El Comercio reports that dialysis patients are traveling to other cities or paying out of pocket because the MSP owes two years of services to private dialysis centers. The report says many patients do not reach the 12 monthly sessions they require.
SECAP has opened 30,000 free virtual course spots through the Compromiso por el Empleo program. Courses run 60 to 90 hours and cover areas like e-commerce, web programming, gastronomy, computer maintenance, basic electricity and auto mechanics.
Primicias reports that mortgage-credit disbursements grew 22% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Sales, project visits and net reservations also rose, giving buyers and renters another signal that the housing market is tightening.
Expreso reports that Ecuador's 2026 curfews have accumulated 30 days of restrictions and affected at least 120,000 businesses. One economist estimated losses between USD 16 million and USD 32 million, with the hardest hit in nightlife, restaurants, logistics and small businesses.
Ecuador's traffic agency says the SUIT platform is still affecting license issuance, appointments, web certificates and vehicle-registration processes tied to municipal GADs. La Hora reports Monday and Tuesday appointments will be reprogrammed with priority.
The Battle of Pichincha holiday falls on Sunday in 2026, so Ecuador's mandatory rest day shifts to Monday, May 25. Expreso reports the country will have a three-day weekend, with no Friday transfer.
