Feb 12 • 21:50 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

It is official: oil is no longer Ecuador's top export product

In 2025, shrimp surpassed oil to become Ecuador's leading export product, generating $8.401 billion in exports compared to oil's $7.749 billion.

As of 2025, Ecuador has officially ceased to have oil as its primary export product, with shrimp taking the lead by generating $8.401 billion in export revenues, a remarkable increase of 20%. This information has been confirmed by the Ministry of Production and the Federation of Ecuadorian Exporters (Fedexpor), highlighting the significant shift in the export landscape of the country. Additionally, non-oil exports reached $29.402 billion, encompassing both mining and non-mining sectors, reflecting an overall boost in the country's international trade system.

The detailed figures on foreign trade will be released next week, but preliminary reports from the Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE) reveal that oil exports for the year totaled $6.985 billion, with derivatives contributing an additional $764.2 million, bringing the total for oil-related exports to $7.749 billion. This decline in oil export figures has significant implications for the Ecuadorian economy, traditionally dependent on oil revenues, raising questions about the sustainability and future prospects of this sector.

This shift emphasizes a broader diversification in Ecuador's export capabilities, moving away from a reliance solely on petroleum resources to other sectors like shrimp farming. The impact of these changes could alter economic policies and priorities in Ecuador, as the government and businesses reassess their strategies in light of these trends in export performance and market demands.

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