Ecuador Reaches Dairy Export Agreement with China

The Ecuadorian government has solidified an agreement with China, allowing Ecuador to export its dairy products to the expansive Chinese market. This landmark protocol was signed as part of the first year of the free trade agreement between the two nations. It includes stipulations for inspections, quarantines, and entry requirements for dairy products into China.

In preparation for the agreement, a delegation from the General Administration of Customs of China visited Ecuador in September 2024, conducting inspections of six dairy farms and three processing facilities across different regions. This visit was pivotal in affirming Ecuador's sanitary and production standards and finalizing the protocol's wording.

With this agreement in place, Ecuadorian dairy companies can begin the process of obtaining approval from Chinese customs. According to Ecuador's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Danilo Palacios, the country produces more dairy than it consumes, and this initiative is part of a broader strategy to open new markets and promote the consumption of nutritious dairy products.

Andrés Robalino, Ecuador's Vice Minister of Production and Industries, views the entry into the Chinese market as a strategic step to bolster the growth of Ecuador's dairy sector, which currently provides over 500,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. This agreement is a key component of Ecuador's market diversification strategy, aiming to further integrate the country into global trade networks.