Lard and poultry fats market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the lard and poultry fats market in Ecuador reached 45 732 t, supported by significant growth in domestic pork production driven by internal demand and producer modernization. However, by 2019, fat production declined, pulling the market volume down to 39 964 t despite a reported 27% increase in poultry numbers raised. The market contraction continued into 2020, falling to 37 186 t, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the swine industry, creating difficulties in sustaining production and investments while dampening demand for pork.

An anticipated 3–5% growth in pork output for 2021 helped the market recover to 38 424 t. The following year, however, saw a sharp 33% drop in the raising of chickens and roosters compared to 2021, severely reducing poultry fat supply. Concurrently, the implementation and strengthening of the traffic‑light nutritional labeling system for processed foods—which included fats—aimed at informing consumers, likely influenced demand patterns. These factors contributed to a market decline to 36 051 t in 2022.

Market volume rebounded to 37 216 t in 2023, aided by a rise in per‑capita pork consumption to 12 kg and the successful pilot exports of pork to Côte d'Ivoire and Vietnam. These export initiatives, achieved through public‑private collaboration, stimulated pork production, while promotional campaigns positioning pork as a healthy and affordable protein supported domestic consumption.

Production lard and poultry fats in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Ecuador was among the world's leading producers of lard and poultry fats from 2017 to 2020, ranking 21st globally by production volume.

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

Ecuador's production of lard and poultry fats declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 35 198 tonnes, representing a moderate year-over-year decrease of 8.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 14.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 5.1%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 44 485 tonnes, marking a 7.9% increase from the previous year. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 13.3% decrease.

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

Exports lard and poultry fats from Ecuador

Exports in kind, t

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador's exports of lard and poultry fats were heavily dependent on Chile, which accounted for 100.0% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Chile was the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Ecuador's lard and poultry fats exports in value terms, holding a 100.0% share.

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

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

Imports lard and poultry fats to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

Ecuador's imports of lard and poultry fats increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 1 988 tonnes, reflecting a sharp rise of 40.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 118%, equating to an annualized rate of 29.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of lard and poultry fats to Ecuador, accounting for 100.0% of total imports in volume.

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

Ecuador's imports of lard and poultry fats in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 728 thousand US dollars, showing a steep rise of 33.1% over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 106.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of lard and poultry fats to Ecuador, accounting for 100.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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