Ecuador’s Tea Trade: Imports and Exports

Ecuador, known for its rich biodiversity and fertile lands, has made its mark in the global tea market. In 2021, the country exported tea valued at $1.52M, securing its position as the 76th largest tea exporter worldwide. While tea ranked as the 209th most exported product from Ecuador in the same year, its significance in Ecuador’s export portfolio cannot be overlooked.

Ecuadorian Tea Exports

The United States stood as the primary destination for Ecuadorian tea exports, importing tea worth $727k. Colombia followed closely with $315k, Costa Rica with $130k, Panama with $86.8k, and Malaysia with $83.5k. These destinations highlight the global demand and appreciation for Ecuadorian teas, known for their unique flavors and distinct profiles.

Notably, the fastest-growing export markets for Ecuador’s tea between 2020 and 2021 were Panama, experiencing a significant increase of $86.8k, followed by the Netherlands with $80.5k and Colombia with $77k.

Continent	Country	Trade Value
Asia	Brunei	12,046
Asia	China	42
Asia	South Korea	16
Asia	Malaysia	83,507
Asia	Thailand	47
Europe	Switzerland	318
Europe	Czechia	1,052
Europe	Germany	8,417
Europe	Spain	2,279
Europe	France	10,546
Europe	United Kingdom	5,159
Europe	Ireland	5
Europe	Iceland	9
Europe	Netherlands	80,522
Europe	Portugal	1,733
Europe	Slovenia	816
North America	Canada	5,425
North America	Costa Rica	130,472
North America	Panama	86,789
North America	United States	727,339
South America	Chile	52
South America	Colombia	314,561
South America	Peru	1,155
South America	Uruguay	48,987

Tea Imports in Ecuador

In 2021, Ecuador imported tea worth $572k, positioning itself as the 161st largest tea importer globally. Although tea ranked as the 829th most imported product in Ecuador that year, the country’s import trends showcase its receptiveness to teas from around the world. Ecuador primarily imports tea from the United States, China, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Poland. The United States accounted for the largest share, with $152k in tea imports, followed by China with $143k, Sri Lanka with $70.4k, Germany with $62.6k, and Poland with $50.6k.

Notably, between 2020 and 2021, the United States witnessed significant growth in tea imports by Ecuador, with an increase of $72k. China and Poland followed suit with notable increases of $46.3k and $31.8k, respectively.

Continent	Country	Trade Value
Asia	China	143,447
Asia	India	2,239
Asia	Japan	7,737
Asia	South Korea	5,824
Asia	Sri Lanka	70,371
Asia	Vietnam	8,876
Asia	Chinese Taipei	2,675
Europe	Germany	62,550
Europe	United Kingdom	63
Europe	Poland	50,601
North America	Canada	13,640
North America	United States	151,675
South America	Argentina	9,033
South America	Chile	42,564
South America	Peru	924

Potential Of Tea Import and Export Between Vietnam-Ecuador

While the bilateral trade between Vietnam and Ecuador may not currently reach significant levels, it is worth noting that Ecuador’s tea imports in 2021 amounted to a total value of $8,876. Recognizing this, it becomes evident that Vietnam, as a global leader in tea production and export, has immense potential to collaborate with Ecuador in introducing Vietnamese tea to the Ecuador market in the foreseeable future.

Tariffs and Trade Dynamics

In 2018, the average tariff for tea imports in Ecuador stood at 25.1%. Ecuador maintains import tariffs to protect domestic tea producers and safeguard local industries. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea in Ecuador were Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, each applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 27.5%.

Conclusion

Ecuador’s tea industry is flourishing, positioning itself as a notable player in the global tea trade. With its distinct teas and commitment to producing quality products, Ecuador continues to capture the attention of tea enthusiasts worldwide. As Ecuador expands its tea exports to existing and emerging markets, the industry is poised for further growth. Furthermore, Ecuador’s growing imports reflect the nation’s evolving tea preferences and the desire to cater to diverse consumer demands. As Ecuador navigates the global tea trade, it will play a vital role in shaping the dynamics of the industry and contributing to the global tea community.

Data: BACI