Trade Office of Ecuador in New York, operated under the auspices of PRO ECUADOR, serves as the official commercial representation of the Government of Ecuador in the northeastern United States. Based in New York City, the office functions as a strategic platform for strengthening Ecuador–U.S. economic ties, promoting Ecuadorian exports, attracting foreign investment, and providing commercial support to Ecuadorian businesses.
Core Business and Service Offerings
As a public trade promotion entity, the Trade Office of Ecuador in New York delivers targeted services to enhance Ecuador's economic integration into global markets. Its primary services include:
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Export Promotion
- Facilitating market entry for Ecuadorian exporters across sectors such as agrifood, seafood, textiles, and handicrafts
- Organizing B2B matchmaking events and trade show participation
- Coordinating tasting events, product showcases, and virtual trade missions
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Investment Attraction
- Promoting investment opportunities in Ecuador’s priority sectors, including agribusiness, renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure
- Facilitating connections between U.S. investors and Ecuadorian public-private projects
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Market Intelligence
- Delivering sectoral reports and trade statistics to guide Ecuadorian exporters
- Monitoring U.S. consumer trends and regulatory requirements for Ecuadorian goods
These services are offered free of charge to Ecuadorian companies and international business stakeholders seeking engagement with Ecuador’s export ecosystem.
Specialization and Unique Strengths
The Trade Office’s specialization is rooted in its deep knowledge of Ecuador’s export capabilities and U.S. market access dynamics. Distinct strengths include:
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Strong diplomatic and institutional alignment with Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments, and Fisheries
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Sector-specific trade promotion, with special focus on:
- Tropical fruits (bananas, mangoes, pineapples)
- Shrimp and tuna
- Cocoa and fine aroma chocolate
- Cut flowers (roses and summer flowers)
- Sustainable handicrafts and textiles
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Robust trade diplomacy networks, enabling high-level commercial advocacy and dispute resolution support
The office helps position Ecuador as a source of high-quality, sustainably produced, and ethically sourced products in the competitive U.S. market.
Financial and Operational Insights
As a publicly funded agency, the Trade Office does not generate revenue but is evaluated on impact metrics such as:
- Trade leads generated
- Export deals facilitated
- Ecuadorian companies supported
- U.S. companies engaged
According to PRO ECUADOR’s national reporting (2022):
- Ecuador’s non-oil exports to the U.S. surpassed USD 3.2 billion
- The U.S. remained Ecuador’s largest export destination, accounting for over 21% of the country’s total exports
- Shrimp, bananas, and cocoa products constituted more than 70% of the value of exports to the U.S.
The Trade Office of Ecuador in New York played a pivotal role in coordinating promotional events and trade missions contributing to these export volumes.
Key Initiatives and Engagements
- Active participation in U.S. trade expos such as:
- Seafood Expo North America (Boston)
- Summer and Winter Fancy Food Shows (New York and San Francisco)
- Floral Industry Trade Shows
- Hosting Ecuador Exquisito culinary events to promote fine food and gastronomy products
- Supporting virtual trade missions post-COVID to connect exporters and U.S. buyers
The office acts as a liaison between Ecuadorian SMEs and major U.S. distributors, retailers, and institutional buyers.
Target Market
The Trade Office of Ecuador in New York targets:
- Ecuadorian exporters seeking to penetrate or expand in the U.S. Northeast region
- U.S. buyers and importers of fresh and processed food, floral products, textiles, and artisanal goods
- Foreign investors evaluating opportunities in Ecuadorian priority sectors
- Chambers of commerce, trade associations, and diaspora organizations
Its strategic location allows it to service key commercial hubs including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Commercial intelligence tailored to U.S. importers and Ecuadorian producers
- Access to databases of certified Ecuadorian exporters
- Coordination with customs and trade regulators to ensure compliance
- Multilingual staff with expertise in trade negotiation and diplomacy
The office collaborates with Consulates of Ecuador, industry associations, and U.S. institutional buyers to promote Ecuadorian products in the region.
Certifications and Trade Compliance
The Trade Office ensures that Ecuadorian exports meet:
- U.S. FDA regulations for food and agricultural imports
- USDA-APHIS compliance for phytosanitary and animal health requirements
- CBP and HTS classification support for tariff evaluation
- Trade agreement awareness, especially under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and bilateral trade frameworks
The office also promotes certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, GlobalG.A.P., and Rainforest Alliance that align with buyer expectations.
Public Perception and Testimonials
Ecuadorian exporters recognize the Trade Office for:
- Direct support in trade events
- Facilitating key buyer introductions
- Guidance through regulatory procedures
Importers and U.S. retailers acknowledge the office’s value in:
- Sourcing traceable, high-quality Ecuadorian products
- Navigating bilateral trade and investment frameworks
- Supporting due diligence and supplier engagement
The office’s performance is highlighted in PRO ECUADOR annual export development reports and strategic reviews.
Major Achievements
- Enabled increased U.S. access for Ecuadorian shrimp, cocoa, and flowers, securing multi-million-dollar contracts
- Promoted export diversification, including the rise of value-added cocoa and chocolate exports
- Coordinated high-level trade missions, including ministerial visits and private sector delegations
- Expanded buyer networks for over 300 Ecuadorian exporters since inception
- Strengthened Ecuador’s position as a trusted supplier to U.S. retailers, foodservice companies, and wholesale markets
The Trade Office of Ecuador in New York continues to serve as a bridge for opportunity, innovation, and sustainability between Ecuador and the United States, playing a crucial role in growing the country’s export footprint and investment partnerships in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
