The decision eases pressure on bilateral trade and improves Ecuador’s competitiveness in
its main export market
The United States lifted, as of November 13, 2025, the 15% surtax that applied to 105
Ecuadorian products, mostly agricultural and agro-industrial goods. The decision,
confirmed by the Ministry of Production, brings immediate relief to bilateral trade and
improves Ecuador’s competitive position in its most important market.
The list of exempted goods includes bananas, plantains, pineapple, mango, dragon fruit,
citrus, coffee, cocoa, palm hearts, juices, and other fruits and derivatives that support a
large share of rural employment. These products revert to their base tariffs—many close to
0%—removing a surcharge that had compressed margins and diminished attractiveness
compared with other regional suppliers.
Figures highlight the potential impact: U.S. purchases of Ecuadorian bananas and
plantains exceed hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and demand remained solid
even during the surtax period. With the surcharge now removed, exporters have more room
to improve entry prices, secure longer-term contracts, and develop higher-value product
formats.
In production zones, the measure could translate into increased foreign currency inflows,
more activity for small and medium-sized growers, and higher demand for transport,
packaging, certification, and cold-chain logistics services. At the national level, it will
strengthen the non-oil trade balance and consolidate Ecuador’s role as a reliable food
supplier to the U.S. market.
Removing the 15% surcharge does not solve all challenges, but it significantly shifts the
playing field in favor of Ecuadorian products. The next step will be to capitalize on this
margin: strengthening compliance, protecting traceability, and refining logistics to convert
this policy change into greater competitiveness and new opportunities for the country’s
export sector.