The Central Bank of Ecuador reported a goods trade surplus of USD 3.05 billion for the first eight months of 2026, down 32% from the same period in 2025 as imports grew faster than exports. Exports rose 10% to USD 26.80 billion, while imports increased 19% to USD 23.74 billion. Both the oil and non-oil trade surpluses narrowed, by 38% and 31%, respectively. Oil exports climbed 26% to USD 6.65 billion, driven by a 26% increase in prices despite a 1% decline in volumes. Non-oil exports rose 5% to USD 20.15 billion, supported by higher shrimp, mining, banana and plantain sales. On the import side, raw materials remained the largest category at USD 7.47 billion, while purchases of fuels and lubricants recorded the strongest growth at 37%, reaching USD 6.21 billion. The monthly goods surplus fell to USD 211 million in August from USD 504.4 million in July as exports declined and imports increased. August exports totaled USD 3.51 billion, down 6% from July but up 14% from a year earlier, while imports reached USD 3.30 billion, up 3% on the month and 32% year over year.
Central Bank of Ecuador reports 32% decline in goods trade surplus to USD 3.05 billion through August 2026
Ecuador’s goods trade surplus fell 32% year over year to USD 3.05 billion in the first eight months of 2026 as import growth outpaced export growth. The August surplus narrowed to USD 211 million from USD 504.4 million in July, reflecting lower exports and higher imports.