Cross-border payment solution empowering your business presence across Latin America

Ecuador

Ecuador's economy in 2025 is showing a positive rebound with growth projected around 2.8% to 3%, driven by a recovery in foreign trade, solid household consumption, and increased investment. Following a challenging 2024 marked by recession and power outages, the economy is benefiting from improvements in energy supply and liquidity conditions, alongside a stable inflation rate contained between 1.3% and 1.5%, fostering a conducive environment for business activities.

Key sectors driving Ecuador's growth include agribusiness, aquaculture, renewable energy, responsible mining, and infrastructure development. Agribusiness and aquaculture remain strong exporters of bananas, cocoa, flowers, and shrimp, which continue to thrive in international markets such as the United States and Europe. The renewable energy sector is expanding rapidly, supported by initiatives like Ecuador's Solar Plan, promoting diversification into solar, wind, and biomass energy with attractive tax incentives and investment-friendly free trade zones.

Mining, which had experienced some production setbacks due to environmental policies, is reactivating legal concessions and embarking on sustainable projects for gold, copper, and other strategic minerals. Infrastructure and construction sectors are growing through public-private partnerships that focus on transportation, ports, healthcare, and housing projects, creating opportunities for engineering, logistics, and construction companies. The entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), is vibrant, backed by financing from development banks and credit lines aimed at innovation and exports.

Ecuador's business environment benefits from a dollarized economy that provides currency stability, strategic geographic positioning for regional logistics, and access to multiple free trade agreements with key global markets including the European Union, United Kingdom, China, and regional partners. Major international financial support, including IMF and regional development banks' packages, reinforce fiscal stability and support ongoing reforms to enhance competitiveness and investment inflows.

Despite favorable trends, the country faces challenges such as high poverty rates, informal labor markets, and structural barriers to productivity and investment. Continued efforts toward fiscal consolidation, digitalization, and reducing logistical inefficiencies are essential to sustain long-term growth and improve living standards. Overall, Ecuador in 2025 offers promising opportunities across diverse sectors with a stable macroeconomic framework conducive to both local and foreign business expansion.

Payment methods in Ecuador: