Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
The Education Ministry says 264 institutions are prioritized for preventive work and that 17 of Ecuador's 24 provinces moved from yellow to orange alert.
President Daniel Noboa says the next monthly adjustment will lower diesel and Extra and Ecopais gasoline prices slightly, despite higher international fuel costs.
A Cedatos study reported that 63.9% of voters remain undecided about mayoral candidates and 69% remain undecided about prefectural candidates ahead of the November 29 vote.
The SPPAT says it protects Ecuadorian and foreign victims of road crashes, including people in vehicles that were not current on registration. It also warns families not to pay intermediaries for a service the state provides free.
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.
Private financial institutions disbursed USD 734 million in mortgage loans between January and June, while Biess placed another USD 263 million. Combined housing finance reached USD 997 million for the first half of the year.
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.
The Ministry of Health’s central warehouse and two provinces had zero stock of iron supplements in the reported data, while national demand reaches 112,542 children.
The new Cuadro Nacional de Medicamentos Básicos increases the catalog from 494 to 512 active ingredients and will take effect during 2026 after official publication.
La Hora reports that fraudulent ANT messages are still using real personal details, including a fake traffic fine claiming a 30% increase and a USD 47 payment. Foreign residents should verify traffic notices through official channels.
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.
Eternit plans to launch 57-square-meter homes priced between USD 22,000 and USD 25,000 by the end of 2026. The project arrives as Ecuador’s housing credit portfolio grows 6.1% annually.
