The Central Bank of Ecuador published its quarterly national accounts showing that Ecuador's economy grew 2.1% in the first quarter of 2026 from the same period of 2025. Growth was led by stronger domestic demand, with household final consumption rising 3.9% and gross fixed capital formation increasing 12.8%. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, gross domestic product rose 1.0% from the fourth quarter of 2025. Household spending was supported by higher demand for food products and services, while investment was driven by construction and higher imports of machinery, vehicles and transport equipment. Exports increased 1.7%, supported by processed shrimp and minerals, while imports rose 11.1% on higher purchases of raw materials and capital goods. Across industries, 16 of 20 sectors expanded from a year earlier, with the largest contributions coming from financial and insurance activities, trade, professional, technical and administrative activities, oil and mining, health and social assistance, and food manufacturing. Compared with the previous quarter, 12 of 20 industries posted growth, led by construction, financial and insurance activities, professional services, and fishing and aquaculture. The stronger domestic demand offset a 5.8% fall in exports linked to weaker international demand for cocoa. The release states that the first-quarter 2026 results were published without revisions to figures for earlier quarters under the Central Bank of Ecuador's disclosure and revision policy.
Central Bank of Ecuador2026-06-25
Central Bank of Ecuador reports 2.1% year on year economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 driven by household consumption and investment
The Central Bank of Ecuador reported that GDP grew 2.1% year on year in the first quarter of 2026 and 1.0% from the previous quarter. The expansion was driven mainly by household consumption and investment, while exports weakened quarter on quarter because of lower international demand for cocoa. The release did not revise earlier quarterly figures.