The National Chamber of Aquaculture of Ecuador offers its support to the government in maintaining high-level dialogue with U.S. authorities.

Starting April 5, 2025, Ecuadorian shrimp will have to pay an additional 10% tariff to enter the United States market, following the country's announcement of a new tariff scheme.

In addition to the tariff, the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) is concerned about the reaction of competitors and whether the measure will affect shrimp consumption in the United States.

This market is the second most important for Ecuadorian shrimp, accounting for between 18% and 20% of its total exports.

The US decision is global, and other shrimp-producing countries face considerably higher tariff barriers.

- Ecuador 10%

- India 26%

- Indonesia 32%

- Vietnam 46%

- Thailand 36%.

Although the measure imposed on Ecuador is less severe compared to other competing countries, the national shrimp sector believes it is essential to continuously monitor how these tariffs could affect shrimp consumption in the U.S. market, as well as the reaction of competitors who may shift their attention to other markets to which Ecuadorian shrimp currently exports.

The Chamber's executive president, José Antonio Camposano, stated that "at first glance, we have a comparative advantage over our competitors; however, work is needed to restore the previous conditions, as tariffs could affect shrimp consumption in the United States."

And for this reason, the sector offers its support to the Ecuadorian government in maintaining a dialogue at the highest level with the U.S. authorities, as well as continuing to work in coordination with the private sector to restore the conditions prior to this measure.

Shrimp farming figures show that it is currently the country's main source of foreign currency, with exports expected to reach US$6 billion by 2024 and creating more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs.