Shrimp, alongside dairy and blueberries, is at the forefront of Ecuador’s export ambitions to China. This comes on the heels of a free trade agreement that has been in place since May, signaling new opportunities for Ecuador’s seafood industry to tap into China’s vast market.

The Ministry of Production underscored the importance of shrimp during a statement on September 19, marking the visit of a Chinese delegation led by Zhao Zenglian, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs. The delegation toured Ecuador’s shrimp farms and other export sectors, underscoring China’s keen interest in Ecuadorian shrimp—a staple in its non-oil exports to the Asian giant.

Trade Frameworks and Protocols

During the visit, the two nations formalized a memorandum of understanding aimed at ensuring food safety in imports and exports. This framework is set to improve communication and expedite compliance, paving the way for smoother trade. Also concluded were technical negotiations concerning protocols for the inspection, quarantine, and sanitary requirements for Ecuador’s dairy products. While dairy will take some time to enter the Chinese market, shrimp remains the top export to the world’s largest seafood consumer.

China’s appetite for Ecuadorian shrimp has long been a crucial element of the trade relationship. However, a recent downturn has affected this key sector. By July 2024, Ecuador’s overall exports to China dropped by 16%, down to USD 3.014 billion. The sharp fall in shrimp sales, along with declines in wood and processed products, has contributed to this decline. Shrimp, which forms the backbone of Ecuador’s non-oil exports to China, will need to regain momentum to ensure that this market remains viable.

China’s Appetite for Ecuadorian Exports

China continues to be Ecuador’s largest non-oil export market, with bilateral trade having grown 17% annually over the last five years. In 2023, Ecuador exported USD 5.669 billion worth of goods to China, with shrimp and copper being key drivers. Yet the recent downturn has led to some concern, with the value of shipments to China lagging. As Ecuador looks to secure the future of its shrimp exports, the free trade agreement signed in 2023 stands as a critical tool to stabilize and expand these trade relations.