Pork market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

The Ecuadorean pork market remained almost entirely supplied by domestic production from 2018 to 2021, shielded from imports by a high 45% tariff that was in force throughout the period. This protectionist measure, combined with the dominant influence of the state-backed Association of Pig Farmers of Ecuador (ASPE), helped maintain a market structure largely insulated from international trade. The total market volume followed a decline in domestic output, falling from 163 thousand tons in 2018 to a low of 138.7 thousand tons in 2020, before showing a slight recovery to 140.1 thousand tons in 2021.

A major expansion occurred in 2022, with the pork market volume surging by 48% to 207.4 thousand tons. This significant growth was primarily driven by a state-led initiative to stimulate domestic demand: the creation of the National Pork Consumption Day via Ministerial Agreement No. 127. This institutionalized promotion of pork as a protein source directly boosted consumption and coincided with the sharp increase in local production, which reached 206.2 thousand tons. The protective 45% tariff remained unchanged, continuing to support domestic producers during this period of rapid expansion.

The market's growth continued into 2023, with volume reaching 214.4 thousand tons. The regulatory environment remained stable, with the high import tariff and the influence of the ASPE persisting. By 2024, the sector's growing capacity was demonstrated by the launch of pilot pork exports to new international markets, including Côte d'Ivoire and Vietnam, marking the country's first significant entry into global pork trade.

Production pork in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of pork, 2017-2020

Ecuador's pork production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 137.9 K t of pork, representing a 7.6% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest production level was achieved in 2018 at 162.4 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with an 8.1% reduction, while the largest growth was recorded in 2018 with a 17.7% increase.

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

Exports pork from Ecuador

Available market data indicates that Ecuador did not export any pork between 2017 and 2020.

Imports pork to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

Ecuador's pork imports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 802.6 t, marking a 2.8% rise from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports expanded by 48.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Chile and the United States dominated Ecuador's pork imports, together accounting for 100.0% 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

Following two years of growth, Ecuador's pork import values declined in 2020. Imports totaled 1 390 K $ US, down 10.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values increased by 21.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 556 K $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 21.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador's pork imports in value terms were highly concentrated, with the United States and Chile together representing 100.0% 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