Ecuadorian shrimp has been facing a crisis since August 7th 15% tariff in the United States, a measure that replaces the zero-rate access in force until spring. The decision is part of the reciprocal tariffs driven by the Donald Trump Administration and directly affects the main non-oil product that Ecuador sells to that market.
To this rate is added a compensatory surcharge of 3,78% resulting from an investigation into alleged subsidies, raising the effective burden to 18,78%. The sector warns that this tax pressure increases the cost of supply, compromises the international competitiveness y puts thousands of jobs at risk, which is why he is calling for a trade agreement to be accelerated.
What's changing for Ecuadorian shrimp?
On April 5, a new law came into effect in the U.S. base tariff of 10% for multiple origins, and since August 7, that base rate has increased to 15% for Ecuador. In the case of shrimp, which previously entered without paying, the increase is significant: from 0% to 15% in four months.
Washington has justified the measure by the trade imbalances with different countries and has applied it universally and reciprocally. In practical terms, Ecuadorian shrimp now arrive at US customs with a much higher tax cost than at the beginning of the year..
Trade figures and new cost
In 2024, Ecuador consolidated itself as second largest shrimp supplier from the U.S., with 412 million pounds exported and a value of USD 1.280 billion. This position reinforces the importance of the North American market for the entire shrimp chain.
In the first half of 2025 they were sent 296 million pounds, valued at USD 867 million. Just for the base tariff of 10% in force until July, the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) estimates that they have already been disbursed. $45 million in taxes.
With the increase to 15%, the CNA projects in the second half An additional USD 20 million per month in tariff payments, that is, approximately USD 120 million more until December. If the measure is maintained, the total cost for the sector in 2025 would reach $170 million.
Who bears the tariff and its effects on the chain
In theory, the Import tax is paid by the buyerHowever, in the shrimp trade, agreements are common whereby the exporter delivers the goods, assuming taxes and procedures at destination. This scheme transfers the fiscal impact. directly to the costs of the Ecuadorian offer.
Rising prices put pressure on margins and can reduce competitiveness against other originsThe union warns that more than 300.000 direct and indirect jobs linked to shrimp production, processing and logistics. Do you want to learn more about the different types of shrimp?
In addition to the 15% base, it weighs a countervailing duty of 3,78% by the US investigation into alleged subsidies. The total burden amounts to 18,78%, a threshold that requires reviewing prices, contracts and shipping rates.
Ongoing negotiations and possible scenarios
The Ecuadorian Government and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are moving forward in a fourth round of talksAccording to the Ministry of Production, the timing depends on Washington, although there is hope for an imminent announcement that will ease the shrimp tariff.
Meanwhile, the CNA urges speed up an agreement to restore more balanced access conditions. Every week without definitions means millions in higher costs and a tangible threat to competitiveness of a strategic sector.
The tariff increase has turned Ecuadorian shrimp into a product with relevant access costs To the U.S., trade figures and the new tax system point to a challenging semester for margins and employment, with the sector and the Executive branch focused on negotiating a solution to prevent a further deterioration in competitiveness.
