In July 2025, Ecuador’s import activity experienced a significant upswing, with total imports reaching $3.19 billion, marking a 14.05% increase compared to $2.80 billion in June. This growth was supported by 1,638,334 transaction records, underscoring strong trade activity and the resilience of the country’s import sector amid evolving global market conditions.
Six-Month Trend Analysis
Over the past six months, Ecuador’s import value has demonstrated a steady upward trend, peaking in July after a moderate dip in June. February recorded $2.78 billion in imports, followed by a slight decline in March to $2.68 billion. April and May saw renewed momentum at $2.74 billion and $2.89 billion, respectively, before a drop to $2.80 billion in June. July’s rebound to $3.19 billion coincided with a notable contraction in the number of domestic importers, from 113,403 in June to 65,277 in July, suggesting concentration of larger import transactions among fewer but possibly more capital-intensive companies. Transaction volumes mirrored this contraction, dropping from 1.92 million records in June to 1.64 million in July, indicating a possible shift toward high-value goods..png)
Top 10 Trade Partners
The United States maintained its position as Ecuador’s top import partner in July, supplying goods worth $829 million. This trade involved 50,738 Ecuadorian importers and 2,744 U.S. suppliers, covering 2,369 product categories, with petroleum products, machinery, and electronics being key sectors.
China ranked second with $682 million in imports, driven by high volumes of manufactured goods, industrial machinery, and electronics. A total of 5,389 Ecuadorian importers engaged with 6,020 Chinese suppliers, covering 2,639 categories.
Panama followed with $253 million in trade, a notable share given its smaller supplier base of 261 companies serving 1,655 Ecuadorian importers. This reflects Panama’s role as a regional logistics hub for petroleum derivatives and re-exports.
Colombia ranked fourth with $183 million, involving 1,721 Ecuadorian importers and 1,297 Colombian suppliers, spread across 1,526 categories, with agricultural commodities and construction materials being prominent.
The remaining six partners—Peru, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Chile, and Argentina—collectively contributed a diversified import portfolio exceeding $5.0 billion annually, reflecting strong regional and intercontinental ties..png)
Fastest-Growing Trade Partners
Cambodia recorded an unprecedented surge to $55,485 from only $6 last month, reflecting a 890,513.16% growth, likely due to a large one-off shipment in textiles or specialty goods.
Myanmar saw imports rise to $7,849, a 1,891.83% jump, suggesting the beginning of small-scale trade channels.
Bolivia surged to $16.32 million, up 1,450.33%, largely in minerals and food products.
Morocco posted $121,231, up 1,084.70%, possibly linked to increased demand for specialized industrial materials.
Kuwait expanded its exports to Ecuador to $34,323, up 882.82%, potentially tied to petrochemical products.
Commodity Trends and HS Code Analysis
The fastest-growing commodity in July was HS 270750 Aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures, which surged 122.28% to $220.11 million. Key buyers included EMPRESA PUBLICA DE HIDROCARBUROS DEL ECUADOR EP PETROECUADOR ($130.02 million), EMPRESA DE HIDROCARBUROS DEL ECUADOR EP PETROECUADOR ($89.86 million), and INDUSTRIAL LATINA S.A..
HS 870121 (Motor vehicles for the transport of persons, diesel-powered) grew 54.53% to $13.87 million, with major importers such as INDUSUR INDUSTRIAL DEL SUR S. A.and COMERCIAL CARLOS ROLDAN CIA. LTDA..
HS 842952 (Mechanical shovels, excavators, and shovel loaders with 360° rotation) increased 52.62% to $21.04 million, led by IASA S.A. and DITECA S.A.
HS 852872 (Color television reception apparatus) rose 50.90% to $15.30 million, with leading buyers including INTELLCARD S.A. and CAR SOUNDVISION CIA. LTDA..
HS 390210 (Polypropylene in primary forms) grew 50.87% to $12.36 million, with PLASTICSACKS CIA LTDA. and OBEN ECUADOR S.A.among the top buyers.
Ecuador’s import sector in July 2025 displayed strong performance, underpinned by surging demand for hydrocarbons, machinery, and consumer electronics. The dominance of the U.S. and China reflects sustained global trade connectivity, while the rise of smaller partners such as Cambodia and Bolivia highlights evolving trade diversification. With energy-related imports leading the surge, Ecuador is positioned for continued trade growth, though the concentration among fewer importers suggests a strategic pivot toward large-scale, high-value transactions.