Ecuador Locks In Zero Tariffs on Half Its U.S. Exports

For decades, Ecuador sold goods to the United States under arrangements Washington could revoke at will. The Andean Trade Preference Act of 1991 gave tariff breaks, but the terms were unilateral — a favor, not a partnership. On February 15, after nine months and eight rounds of negotiations, the two countries concluded an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) that will eliminate the 15% surcharge on approximately half of Ecuador’s non-petroleum exports — a basket worth roughly $3.2 billion. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office said the deal would be signed in the coming weeks. This is part of The Rio Times’ daily coverage of Ecuador affairs and Latin American financial news.

The beneficiaries include flowers, blueberries, avocados, bananas, cacao, tuna loins, dragon fruit, and minerals including gold and copper. Trade Minister Luis Alberto Jaramillo called it a “great achievement” by President Daniel Noboa, noting Ecuador outperformed Malaysia, which secured zero tariffs on only 12% of its exports. Jaramillo projects 15% annual export growth to the U.S. through 2030. Remaining goods will continue paying 15%, with possible reduction to 10% as the bilateral deficit narrows.

Shrimp Exports Drive Ecuador Trade Debate

The elephant in the room is shrimp. Ecuador’s crustacean exports surpassed oil last year, hitting a record $8.4 billion globally, with the U.S. buying $1.9 billion worth through November 2025. Whether shrimp falls within the zero-tariff basket has not been confirmed — Jaramillo mentioned it, but the official product list has yet to be released. Aquaculture Chamber president José Antonio Camposano has pushed hard for inclusion, arguing Ecuador needs the preference to stay competitive against Indian shrimp, which faces a punishing 50% U.S. tariff. High duties on India already diverted market share Ecuador’s way in 2025, but the sector wants certainty, not windfall.

Ecuador’s ART is part of a broader pattern. In recent weeks, the Trump administration concluded reciprocal trade deals with Bangladesh, Taiwan, and now Ecuador, adding to pacts sealed with Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala, and India. The template is consistent: Washington lowers tariffs in exchange for market access, intellectual property protections, and commitments on forced labor and illegal fishing. Noboa told supporters the agreement extends beyond economics into joint security cooperation against narcotrafficking. Jaramillo described the ART as a “first step” toward a full free trade agreement — but whether that materializes depends on resolving the shrimp question before the ink dries.

Related coverage: Brazil’s Morning Call | USA & Canada Intelligence Brief for Tuesday, February 17, 20

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