Ecuador's cocoa exports reached $720 million from January to September 2023, with a 45.5% year-on-year increase, making it the fastest-growing export product. This growth is attributed to a decline in cocoa production in other countries and speculation in the international market, leading to a 64% increase in cocoa prices. The main export destinations for Ecuadorian cocoa are the United States, the Netherlands, Mexico, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with the latter two increasing their imports by 32% and 63% respectively due to increased demand.