Imports also hit a historic high, at USD 9,407 million. The country registered a trade surplus of USD 769.8 million.

Ecuadorian exports reached USD 10,177 million in the second quarter of 2026, the highest quarterly figure in the historical series, growing 8.3% compared to the first quarter and 7.0% year over year, according to figures from the Central Bank of Ecuador’s (BCE) Quarterly Foreign Trade Bulletin.

This result was driven mainly by oil exports, which totaled USD 2,832.5 million, up 36.9% compared to the second quarter of 2025. This growth was a response to the rise in the international price of crude: Ecuadorian oil registered an average price of USD 87.1 per barrel, 51.9% higher than a year earlier, despite a 9.8% reduction in exported volume.

In the non-oil sector, shrimp was the leading export product, reaching a record USD 2,554.4 million, up 7.9% year over year, boosted by higher demand from China and the United States. By contrast, exports of cocoa and cocoa products contracted 54.9% year over year, due to the correction of international prices following the highs recorded in 2024 and 2025.

Regarding external purchases, imports reached USD 9,407.2 million, also a historic quarterly high, after growing 23.2% year over year. This increase was driven mainly by higher purchases of fuels and lubricants, with oil-related imports rising 71.4%.

With these results, Ecuador registered a trade surplus of USD 769.8 million in the second quarter of 2026. However, this figure was 59.0% lower than that recorded in the same period of 2025, as imports grew at a significantly faster pace than exports.

The United States remained the leading destination for Ecuadorian exports, with a 22.4% share, followed by China (18.6%) and Panama (18.0%). On the import side, the United States (35.8%) and China (24.3%) were the main suppliers.

The Quarterly Analytical Foreign Trade Bulletin is an official publication prepared by the BCE’s Directorate of Economic Studies and Statistics. This technical report compiles and analyzes the country’s goods trade variables in relation to the rest of the world, measuring both sectoral exports and imports.

 Strategic Communications Sub-Directorate