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๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ Ecuador /Economy & Trade

How electronic purchases in Ecuador changed, moving billions of dollars

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • E-commerce in Ecuador has significantly consolidated, growing from under $1.5 billion to over $7 billion since before the pandemic.
  • Increased consumer trust, better payment options, and faster delivery times fueled this growth.
  • Companies now prioritize digital channels as a core strategic element, transforming their business models.

E-commerce in Ecuador is experiencing a period of strong consolidation, with the market's economic value surging to over $7 billion in 2025, a substantial increase from less than $1.5 billion before the pandemic. What began as a necessary response to pandemic restrictions has evolved into a permanent consumer habit, driven by heightened trust, improved payment systems, and quicker delivery services. This digital commerce boom reflects not only greater technological adoption by users but also a fundamental shift in business strategy for Ecuadorian companies. Leonardo Otatti, president of the Ecuadorian E-commerce Chamber (CECE), noted that the national market continues to see double-digit growth in both transaction volume and monetary value. This transformation means digital channels are no longer a mere supplement but a central pillar of commercial strategy. Companies are integrating mobile apps, websites, social media, and even AI-driven tools into a comprehensive ecosystem designed to enhance customer discovery, price comparison, and purchasing convenience. The growth is underpinned by a conscious effort to build consumer confidence, addressing the inherent challenges of online shopping compared to physical retail. Transparency in payments, reliable delivery tracking, and robust post-purchase customer service are key factors that have encouraged repeat business and positive recommendations. This digital evolution is reshaping how Ecuadorians shop for goods and services, solidifying e-commerce as a dominant force in the national economy.

the national market maintains a double-digit growth both in volume of transactions and money mobilized.

โ€” Leonardo OtattiPresident of the Ecuadorian Chamber of Electronic Commerce (CECE), describing the growth of the e-commerce sector in Ecuador.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.