Market
Fish meal (HS 230120) is both an export commodity and a strategic feed ingredient in Ecuador, closely tied to domestic aquafeed demand from the shrimp sector. UN Comtrade data via WITS show Ecuador exported USD 112.235 million (84.341 million kg) of HS 230120 in 2024, with China as the largest destination by value and volume. In the same year Ecuador also imported USD 38.994 million (22.698 million kg), indicating a mixed but net-export position. FAO GLOBEFISH reports Ecuador reduced fishmeal imports sharply in January–September 2024 versus January–September 2023, reflecting changing supply conditions for the shrimp-feed complex. Production and sourcing for marine ingredients are concentrated in coastal industrial hubs such as Manabí (Manta/Jaramijó) and Santa Elena where reduction plants and fish-processing byproducts are available.
Market RoleNet exporter with significant domestic aquafeed demand
Domestic RoleKey protein ingredient for shrimp aquafeed and other animal feeds; procurement includes domestic supply plus imports for quality/availability balancing
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighEcuador has been under an EU IUU “yellow card” warning since 30 October 2019; failure to resolve identified control and sanctioning gaps could escalate to stronger EU action, potentially restricting EU market access for fishery products. From 10 January 2026, the EU’s CATCH IT tool makes catch-certificate workflows fully digital for imports, increasing the likelihood that documentation or traceability inconsistencies trigger detentions, refusals, or commercial disruption for Ecuador-origin shipments into EU lanes.Implement robust vessel/landing-to-lot traceability, validate catch documentation end-to-end with competent authorities and EU import partners, and maintain audit-ready records for processing plants and supply-chain mass-balance.
Climate MediumEl Niño events in the Eastern Pacific can reduce availability and change distribution/biomass of Ecuador’s small pelagic resources, lowering raw-material supply and increasing price/fulfilment volatility for fishmeal contracts.Diversify raw-material sourcing streams (small pelagics and byproducts), maintain contractual flexibility on delivery schedules, and plan inventory buffers ahead of forecasted El Niño conditions.
Sustainability MediumInternational buyers increasingly screen marine ingredients for responsible sourcing; Ecuador’s small pelagics supply chain can face scrutiny over stock status and management effectiveness because these fisheries feed into marine-ingredient production for fish feed.Prioritize suppliers aligned with recognized fishery improvement and certification pathways (e.g., IFFO RS/IFFO RS Improver participation) and document management-plan and monitoring compliance.
Logistics MediumFishmeal exports are freight-intensive and largely sea-shipped; container and ocean-freight volatility can significantly affect delivered cost to key destinations (notably Asia) and can compress exporter margins or destabilize contract pricing.Use freight-forward contracts where feasible, build pricing clauses tied to freight indices, and qualify alternative routes/carriers to reduce disruption risk.
Food Safety MediumDestination-market feed safety regimes (e.g., EU animal by-products framework; U.S. preventive controls for animal food) can trigger intensified buyer audits and border controls; non-conformities in process controls, hygiene, or documentation can result in holds, rejections, or delisting.Maintain HACCP/food-safety plans, strengthen supplier approval and testing programs, and align export documentation with importing-market feed safety expectations.
Sustainability- EU IUU compliance scrutiny: Ecuador received an EU “yellow card” warning (2019) related to shortcomings in combating illegal fishing and controls over processing plants exporting to the EU.
- Small pelagics fishery sustainability is a recurring buyer due-diligence theme because these fisheries supply marine ingredients used in fish feed; fishery management plans and FIP participation may be requested in procurement.
- El Niño-driven ocean warming affects distribution/biomass and availability of small pelagic resources in Ecuador, creating raw-material volatility for fishmeal.
Labor & Social- Worker health & safety and labor practices in fishmeal plants can be assessed under third-party certification/audit schemes used in marine ingredients supply chains (e.g., IFFO RS).
Standards- IFFO RS / IFFO RS Improver Programme (responsible supply and plant-level audit framework for marine ingredients)
FAQ
Is Ecuador a net exporter or a net importer of fish meal?In 2024, Ecuador was a net exporter of fish meal under HS 230120: exports were USD 112.235 million (84.341 million kg) while imports were USD 38.994 million (22.698 million kg), based on UN Comtrade data reported via WITS.
Which country is the main destination for Ecuador’s fish meal exports?China was the top destination in 2024 for Ecuador’s fish meal (HS 230120) exports by both value and volume, according to UN Comtrade data via WITS.
What is the biggest trade-compliance risk for Ecuador-origin marine-ingredient supply chains selling into the EU?A key risk is EU IUU compliance scrutiny: Ecuador has been under an EU “yellow card” warning since 30 October 2019, and EU imports require validated catch certificates. From 10 January 2026, the EU’s CATCH system makes catch-certificate submission digital for imports, increasing the chance that documentation or traceability gaps disrupt clearance.