In a surprising shift for the Ecuadorian economy, shrimp exports surged to a record $8.4 billion in 2025, outpacing the country's long-time economic staple, oil. This remarkable growth, a 20% year-on-year increase, is largely attributed to a combination of higher tariffs on U.S. shrimp imports from India and sustained investment in the aquaculture sector.
The Rise of Ecuadorian Shrimp
According to Jose Antonio Camposano, president of Ecuador’s Aquaculture Chamber, the shrimp industry not only set a new record last year but also managed to position itself as Ecuador's leading export for the first time. In the preceding year, 2024, shrimp sales were approximately $7 billion, highlighting the industry's rapid ascent.
The growth momentum is believed to have been temporarily bolstered by changes to U.S. tariff policies under former President Trump, which created advantageous conditions for Ecuadorian shrimp exporters while imposing stricter tariffs on Indian shrimp, the United States’ largest supplier.
“It was a marginal effect because it only impacted the United States,” Camposano explained, emphasizing the importance of the U.S. market for Ecuador. “We’ll have to see what happens this year with the new tariffs that are imposed.”
U.S. Trade Dynamics
Early in 2026, Trump announced the establishment of a trade deal with India that would significantly reduce U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. In exchange, India would ease trade barriers and shift its oil purchases away from Russian suppliers, potentially increasing imports from the United States and Venezuela. The uncertainty stemming from these negotiations casts a shadow over Ecuador's shrimp exports as exporters brace for the potential impact of new tariffs.
Despite these challenges, the demand from the U.S. market has been on the rise recently, with the U.S. accounting for an estimated 22% to 23% of Ecuador's shrimp exports. The sector's expansion can be attributed to investments in producing value-added shrimp products tailored to meet international market demands.
Dominance and Expansion in Key Markets
China continues to dominate as Ecuador’s primary shrimp market, purchasing nearly 48% of the nation’s total shrimp production. Meanwhile, the sector is not only working to maintain its foothold in the U.S. and European markets but is also looking to expand its presence in Japan.
“Market behavior varies depending on several factors: our competitors, who are very aggressive, and the ongoing tariff issue under President Trump, which creates some uncertainty in the United States,” Camposano noted, highlighting the cautious approach the industry is adopting as it anticipates future challenges.
A Declining Oil Sector
While the shrimp industry thrives, Ecuador's oil sector is facing difficulties, with oil exports plummeting 19% from January to November 2025, totaling around $7.18 billion. This downturn stems from diminished investment and various external factors. Non-oil exports, however, have seen growth, reaching $29.4 billion, marking an 18.3% increase from the previous year.
As the landscape of Ecuador's export economy shifts, industry stakeholders remain vigilant and proactive, hoping to achieve a 5% growth in shrimp exports by 2026, despite the hurdles posed by the global market.
Looking Forward
As Ecuador forges ahead, the notable growth of its shrimp industry signals a transformative shift in economic dependencies. The outcomes of upcoming tariff negotiations and global market trends will play a pivotal role in determining the industry's trajectory.
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Reporting by Yury Garcia, Writing by Alexandra Valencia and Nick Zieminski
