U.S.-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement

Ecuador is the only country in Latin America along the Pacific that does not currently have a free trade agreement with the U.S. The “mini” trade deal signed in December of 2020 brings the two countries a step closer to achieving an FTA.

According to Politico, the new pact contains three chapters on trade facilitation, good regulatory practices and anti-corruption. It’s similar to the “mini deal” the U.S. concluded recently with Brazil. It also includes a fourth chapter on small and medium sized enterprises, which make up the bulk of Ecuador’s business community. Separately, the United States recently added roses to the list of imported goods eligible for duty-free treatment under its Generalized System of Preferences program. That has provided a major boost for one of Ecuador’s top export industries.

United States and Ecuador update Trade and Investment Council Agreement with New Protocol on Trade Rules and Transparency
U.S. Trade Representative, December 8, 2020

FACT SHEET: U.S. – Ecuador 2020 Protocol on Trade Rules and Transparency

U.S. Chamber Welcomes Signing of Trade Protocol between the U.S. and Ecuador
U.S. Chamber, December 8, 2020