Non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-rendered pig fat in Ecuador contracted from over 20 thousand tons in 2018 to under 18 thousand tons by 2021. This decline aligned with the pork industry's strategic shift toward producing leaner meat with lower fat content, achieved through genetic selection and optimized feeding practices to meet growing consumer demand for healthier pork cuts.

A strong expansion began in 2022, with market volume surging to 26 thousand tons and further to nearly 28 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was driven by a significant increase in total pork production, which reached around 230 thousand tons annually, as sector-wide investments in genetics, technology, and disease control enhanced overall output. The successful opening of new export markets for pork, such as Vietnam and Côte d'Ivoire, provided additional impetus for higher slaughter volumes and greater fat availability.

Import volumes of pig fat continued to rise, surpassing 2 thousand tons in 2024, indicating sustained industrial demand. The industry's focus on modernizing production and adhering to international sanitary standards supported stable fat supply, even as consumer preferences for leaner pork portions persisted.

Production non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

Ecuador's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 16 546 tonnes, marking a 7.6% decrease from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 19 485 tonnes, which represented a 17.7% increase from the prior year. In 2019, production saw its largest decline of 8.1%.

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

Exports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Ecuador

According to market data, Ecuador did not export any non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from 2017 to 2020.

Imports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

Imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat into Ecuador have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 104 tonnes, showing a 10.1% rise compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 871 tonnes, which was a 34.7% drop from the previous year. In 2019, imports rebounded with the largest increase of 15.0%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 17.2%, averaging an annual decline of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and the United States were the sole sources of imports in kind for Ecuador. Chile accounted for 57.6% of total flows, while the United States made up the remaining 42.4%, together representing 100.0% of imports.

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

The value of imported non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat into Ecuador has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 2 033 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 41.3% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 123 thousand US dollars, which saw a 45.4% decline from 2017.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Chile and the United States dominated imports in value terms, together accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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