Cheese and curd market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in Ecuador demonstrated a clear growth trend between 2018 and 2023, with market volume increasing from 176.5 thousand tons to 210.6 thousand tons. This expansion was temporarily interrupted in 2020 by a modest contraction to 181.2 thousand tons, after which the market resumed its upward path.

Market dynamics were shaped by specific developments. In 2019, the implementation of phytosanitary import restrictions for dairy products helped reinforce the domestic production base. The subsequent recovery and growth were steady, culminating in 2023 when the national expansion of the Tuti retail chain significantly boosted the availability and consumer demand for matured and semi-hard cheeses, directly contributing to the year's market increase.

Production cheese and curd in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

In 2019, Ecuador's cheese and curd production reached its highest level at 187,547 tons, but this was followed by a decline. By 2020, production had fallen to 180,857 tons, representing a moderate decrease of 3.6% compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 3.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.1%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 176,488 tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 5.5% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2019 with a 6.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Cheese and curd production in Ecuador increased for the second consecutive year in terms of value. In 2020, the output was valued at $661.7 million US, showing no substantial change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, production value decreased by 20.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $653.4 million US. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 21.1% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 1.0% gain.

Annual dynamics of production in Ecuador in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cheese and curd from Ecuador

Exports in kind, t

After experiencing a two-year decline, Ecuador's cheese and curd export volumes showed an increase. In 2020, exports amounted to 75.1 tons, reflecting a modest rise of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, exports decreased by 35.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 72.1 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 29.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant destination for Ecuador's cheese and curd exports in terms of volume, accounting for 100.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year drop, Ecuador's cross-border shipments of cheese and curd in value terms increased. In 2020, exports reached $275,000 US, marking a modest gain of 8.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, however, exports decreased by 47%, equating to an annualized decline of 19.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $254,000 US, which also experienced the largest decline of 33.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ecuador in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador's cheese and curd exports in value terms were almost entirely concentrated in the United States, with a share of 100.0%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Ecuador in value, 2017-2020

Imports cheese and curd to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

Foreign cheese and curd supplies to Ecuador increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 393.0 tons, up by 110.4% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 625.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 93.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of cheese and curd to Ecuador in terms of volume were the Netherlands (39.0% of imports), France (28.1% of imports), and Spain (11.7% of imports). Together, these three countries comprised 78.8% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Cheese and curd import volumes to Ecuador increased for the third consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, imports amounted to $2,461,000 US, which is 86.3% higher compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 424.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 73.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ecuador in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (26.3% of imports in value terms), France (22.3% of imports), and Italy (18.0% of imports) made the biggest contributions to Ecuador's cheese and curd imports by value. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 66.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Ecuador in value, 2017-2020