The US-Ecuador Trade Agreement Is Now Officially Signed — Here's What Changes for You

It's Official

The trade deal we covered in February is no longer just a handshake — it's signed.

On March 13, 2026, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ecuador's Minister of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment Luis Alberto Jaramillo formally signed the United States-Ecuador Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).

This is the most significant trade agreement between the two countries in over a decade.

What the Deal Does

The ART eliminates surcharges currently affecting 53% of Ecuador's non-oil exports to the United States — worth approximately $2.786 billion annually based on 2025 data.

Products now entering the US tariff-free:

| Product | Annual Export Value | |---|---| | Cut flowers (roses) | ~$900M | | Bananas & plantains | ~$650M | | Cacao & chocolate | ~$400M | | Tuna & seafood | ~$350M | | Blueberries | ~$180M | | Dragon fruit (pitahaya) | ~$95M | | Avocados | ~$120M |

Critically, these exports are now shielded from the new 10% global US tariff that hits countries without bilateral agreements. That gives Ecuador a significant price advantage over competitors.

What Ecuador Gives Up — And Why You'll Notice

Reciprocity means Ecuador also lowers barriers on American goods entering the country. While the full tariff schedule hasn't been publicly released, the agreement covers:

• Machinery and industrial equipment — lower import costs
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices — cheaper American medications
• Wine and spirits — reduced duties on American wines, whiskey, bourbon
• Technology products — lower prices on US electronics and software
• Agricultural inputs — cheaper fertilizers and farming technology

What This Means for Expats

Cheaper American products. If you've been paying premium prices for American wine, bourbon, or over-the-counter medications at Supermaxi or Coral, those prices should come down as tariff reductions take effect.

Institutional financing unlocked. The ART opens access to the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) — meaning American capital can now flow into Ecuador's energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, and technology sectors. More investment means more economic growth.

Long-term stability. A formal bilateral trade agreement creates institutional ties that survive changes in government. For expats worried about political risk, this is a positive signal.

The dollar stays strong. More dollar-denominated export revenue flowing into Ecuador reinforces the dollarized economy that makes this country attractive to American and European residents.

Sources: United States Trade Representative (USTR), Fresh Fruit Portal