Ecuadorian Milk Exports Find New Destinations

The Ecuadorian dairy sector is solidifying its presence in Central America through the export of new products, aiming to position surplus in international markets. In a joint initiative by ProEcuador and the Cámara de la Industria Láctea (CIL), Ecuador achieved a milestone by exporting whole and skimmed milk to El Salvador. This adds to the UHT milk exports already established since May, making El Salvador a key market for Ecuadorian exports.

This market opening was facilitated by the approval of a sanitary certificate in April, a significant step for the Ecuadorian dairy industry, eager to distribute its production surplus regionally. The primary milk-producing provinces in Ecuador are Pichincha, Santo Domingo, Cotopaxi, Manabí, and Carchi, which collectively account for over 60% of the national production.

Export expansion occurs in a dual context for the sector. On one side, Ecuador's dairy production actively seeks new markets for its products. However, the formal sector faces a supply issue, with the industry capturing only 51.8% of total production, and capture rates within formal industries have fallen to 20%.

The export strategy is crucial for the future of the Ecuadorian dairy industry, which needs to strengthen its value chain and diversify its markets. The advancement with El Salvador could serve as a starting point for exploring new opportunities in other countries. Exports of dairy products, along with others like rice to Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, showcase a renewed focus on foreign trade to boost the country's economic growth.