RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Ecuador’s exports reached US$2.456 billion in January 2022, well above the US$1.815 billion in 2021 and the US$1.951 billion in January 2020.
Meanwhile, non-oil and non-mining foreign shipments recorded US$1.418 billion in sales to the world during the period, 30% more than in January 2021. According to the Ecuadorian Exporters’ Association (Fedexpor), although the total amount of tons shipped decreased by 9%.
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Despite the overall positive export figures, three sectors suffered a decline in sales: Timber and processed goods (-5%), Bananas and plantains (-3%), and Cocoa and processed products (-1%). The least purchases were made in Colombia and the European Union, respectively.
Looking at exports by destination, the United States was among the countries whose purchases fell, due in part to the problem of transport shortages. Flowers fell 22%, cocoa beans 13%, and bananas and plantains 9%.
Non-oil and non-mining imports increased by 45% and totaled US$1.845 billion, leaving a negative trade balance of US$427 million.