Ecuador, Dominican Republic Begin Partial Trade Deal Talks

Ecuador and the Dominican Republic have initiated negotiations for a partial trade agreement aimed at increasing mutual market access. The Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investments announced the start of these talks, which are currently being conducted virtually.

During this initial round, delegations are discussing crucial aspects such as market access, rules of origin, trade facilitation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, trade defense, and dispute resolution. Establishing clear rules in these areas is expected to streamline trade and enhance the competitiveness of productive sectors in both nations.

Bilateral trade figures highlight Ecuador's strong position. In 2025, Ecuadorian exports to the Dominican Republic reached $148 million, while imports from the Dominican Republic were valued at $19 million, yielding a positive trade balance of $128 million for Ecuador. Furthermore, from January to March 2026, Ecuador's exports to the Dominican Republic saw an 11.4% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Key Ecuadorian products exported to the Dominican Republic include unmanufactured tobacco, electrical apparatus, metal manufactures, shrimp, and natural flowers. These exports underscore the significant potential of Ecuador's exportable offerings in the Dominican market. The second round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in person in the Dominican Republic in the coming weeks.