Canada and Ecuador sign a free trade agreement
News release
July 24, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, and Luis Jaramillo, Ecuador’s Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investments, have signed the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Today’s signing marks an important milestone in Canada's efforts to diversify trade and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses. It also reflects Canada and Ecuador’s shared commitment to strengthening their trade and investment relationship and bringing the agreement into force as soon as possible.
Ecuador is Canada’s sixth-largest merchandise trading partner in South America, with two-way merchandise trade reaching $2 billion in 2025, a 2.9% increase from the previous year.
By eliminating tariffs and reducing trade barriers, the FTA will improve market access for Canadian exporters, enabling businesses to grow, create good jobs, and generate long-term economic benefits for workers, businesses, and consumers in both countries.
Following the signing of the agreement, Canada and Ecuador will each complete their respective domestic ratification processes. The FTA will enter into force after ratification procedures are complete.
Quotes
“The signing of the Canada–Ecuador Free Trade Agreement marks an important chapter in our partnership. This FTA will significantly increase Canadian exports to Ecuador, creating new opportunities for our businesses and workers. By advancing agreements with partners like Ecuador, we are diversifying our trading relationships while building a stronger and more resilient economy.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
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Canada and Ecuador successfully concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement in January 2025. Each country will now proceed with the domestic process required to bring the agreement into force as soon as possible.
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Canada and Ecuador’s complementary bilateral merchandise trade reached CAD$2.0 billion in 2025. Canada imports cocoa, bananas, shrimp, fresh cut flowers, as well as petroleum oils and precious metals from Ecuador. In turn, Canadian exports to Ecuador include cereals, mineral fuels and oils, edible vegetables and fertilizers.
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Once the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement enters into force, Canada will have trade agreements with all the countries on the South American Pacific Coast.
Associated links
Contacts
Mujtaba Hussain
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
819-230-8834
Mujtaba.Hussain@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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