For the first time, Ecuador's shrimp exports exceeded its banana exports as the country's leading non-oil export in 2017, according to a report attributed to the country's National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA).
Ecuador's shrimp exports in 2017 were valued at just over USD 2.5 billion (EUR 2 billion). According to the report, Ecuador saw record high exports of shrimp in recent quarters, valued at USD 274 million (EUR 225 million) in July 2017 and USD 269 million (EUR 221 million) in October. Shrimp exports in October 2017 went to 50 countries and totaled 88 million pounds (39,900 metric tons).
World Bank figures show that in 2016, Ecuador exported shrimp and prawns valued at USD 2.6 billion (EUR 2.1 billion), while it exported bananas that year valued at USD 2.7 billion (EUR 2.2 billion), and fish valued at USD 870 million.(EUR 713 million). World Bank trade figures for Ecuador for 2017 were not as yet available and no explanation was given for the lower shrimp export values of 2017 in comparison with those of 2016.
Ecuador led the world in banana exports in 2016, accounting for 23 percent of the world total.
Ecuador's Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries credits the performance of Ecuador's shrimp exports to the united, concerted efforts of the government, the CNA, and the private sector.
