New market opportunities and trade partnerships

In 2025, Ecuador has reinforced a clear strategy to diversify and expand its international markets for seafood products, with a strong focus on processed tuna. This approach not only aims to reduce reliance on traditional markets but also responds to the growing global demand for healthy, sustainable, and traceable food products. Thanks to coordinated efforts between the private sector and government, Ecuador is strengthening key trade relationships and gaining access to strategic destinations.

The European Union and the United States remain Ecuador’s main buyers of tuna products, but the country has successfully maintained its competitiveness by strictly complying with food safety, sustainability, and traceability standards. In the case of the EU, Ecuador has strengthened its control systems to meet regulations against illegal fishing, a key factor in preserving preferential access to the European bloc. Meanwhile, the U.S. market continues to value Ecuadorian tuna certified as responsibly caught, creating growing opportunities in supermarket chains and public procurement programs.

One of the most significant milestones has been the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, which came into effect in May 2024. This agreement eliminated tariffs on key products such as canned tuna, allowing Ecuador to enter the vast Chinese market with a competitive edge for the first time. The first duty-free tuna shipment was made in February 2025, and export volumes are expected to rise steadily as distribution channels solidify. Additionally, the new trade agreement with Canada, signed in 2025, grants Ecuadorian seafood preferential access to that market. There is also growing interest in exploring South Korea as an emerging market, where demand is rising for functional and sustainably sourced foods. Through this network of agreements and expansion toward the Asia-Pacific region, Ecuador is positioning itself as a reliable, high-quality seafood supplier in the competitive global food trade.

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