Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
Cacao, coffee, bananas, and rice are all under market pressure as El Nino risk rises. The immediate story is export pricing, but the longer-term watch point is food-cost pass-through over the next 12 to 20 months.
Colombia has begun issuing rice import permits after nearly five months of suspended land trade. Ecuador’s rice sector expects a gradual restart, with private projections above 50,000 tons for the rest of the year.
Ecuador and Canada signed their trade agreement in Ottawa on July 24, bringing a 26-chapter framework covering goods, investment, customs, and digital commerce.
Oil-export income reached USD 1.561 billion by July 23, nearly matching the USD 1.585 billion recorded in all of 2025.
Ecuador consumed 3% less gasoline overall in the first half of 2026, while Extra demand fell 8%. The report links the decline to higher prices, household pressure, and temporary supply shortages.
Ecuador moved from yellow to orange alert for El Niño conditions after national emergency officials reviewed current meteorological conditions. The measure covers 17 provinces, 143 cantons and 491 parishes.
A new report warns that only 30% of buildings in Ecuador comply with anti-seismic construction standards. The risk is tied to weak enforcement, informal construction and geological faults, especially in large cities such as Quito and Guayaquil.
Workers in Ecuador may have reserve funds equal to 8.33% of salary accumulated in an individual IESS account. The right begins in the second year with the same employer, and balances can be checked online with a cédula and personal password.
Ecuador’s Prosecutor’s Office says internet-scam victims should gather payment receipts, screenshots, bank-account details and related transaction information before filing a complaint. The agency says a cédula is the only required document and the process is free.
Ecuador’s National Transit Agency says fraudulent emails are using its name, logo and institutional image to claim unpaid fines or vehicle taxes. The agency says official checks for fines, licenses and vehicle procedures should be made through its official portal.
Ecuador has identified 45 cantons considered strategic points for organized-crime routes involving drugs, weapons and illicit money. Twenty-seven are rated high risk, showing that security risk is no longer limited to the largest port cities.
Ecuador’s July 16 forecast calls for variable skies, isolated rain and elevated temperatures, with radiation levels ranging from high to extremely high. Inamhi’s Alert 51 remains active through Friday, July 17.
