Despite tariffs and logistical hurdles, Ecuadorian mangoes, bananas, and pitahaya continue to thrive among U.S. consumers, especially migrants.

From the bustling ports of Guayaquil to fruit stands in New York and Los Angeles, Ecuadorian tropical fruits are carving out a space in the American market. The journey, which can take anywhere from ten to twelve days, is fraught with challenges, including maintaining the freshness of delicate products like mangoes. According to Bernardo Malo, manager of Refin SA, one of Ecuador’s oldest fruit exporters, keeping mangoes firm during transit remains a significant obstacle.

“Costs have risen since 2020, especially with the end of tariff preferences and the 10% tax introduced during the Trump administration,” Malo explained. These added expenses place a considerable burden on exporters, particularly since Ecuador lacks a trade agreement with the United States—a contrast to countries like Peru and Colombia that benefit from more favorable trade terms.

Bananas: Ecuador’s Flagship Product

Bananas remain Ecuador’s largest agricultural export, with the United States consistently serving as a key market. However, despite its large volume of exports, Ecuador does not lead in total banana sales to the U.S., trailing behind other countries like Costa Rica. What Ecuadorian bananas do have, however, is a reputation for exceptional quality, especially in the northeastern U.S. states like New York and New Jersey, where they’ve been a favorite for over thirty years.

“The U.S. market, particularly the East Coast, recognizes Ecuadorian bananas as a premium product. They’re also preferred on the West Coast, like in California, because of their flavor and the fact they can be shipped without passing through the Panama Canal,” said Manuel Echeverría, CEO of Trade Business Partners. Echeverría credits the Ecuadorian migrant community, which he believes plays a crucial role as ambassadors for Ecuadorian products. “Many Ecuadorians have become involved in the importation and distribution of these fruits in a market with over 350 million consumers.”

Certification and Quality Control

The rise of GlobalG.A.P certification has been a game-changer for Ecuadorian exporters. This international seal of approval guarantees traceability, hygiene, and sustainability in farming practices. According to Malo, “No Ecuadorian fruit is exported without at least a GlobalG.A.P certification. We lead the region in this regard.”

However, certification alone does not guarantee success in the competitive U.S. market. The distribution system, which sends fruits to wholesale markets, supermarkets, and the foodservice industry, plays a pivotal role in determining how widely Ecuadorian produce is available in the U.S. After reaching American ports, products are further distributed to warehouses, small businesses, and directly to customers in a highly efficient network.

The Role of Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Patricia, an immigrant from Manabí, Ecuador, has run a tropical fruit warehouse in New Jersey for a decade. “Here, the fruit has a different life, but it still carries the soul of Ecuador,” she said, reflecting on the deep connections Ecuadorian produce maintains with the migrant communities that import it. Many Ecuadorians, like Andrea Cárdenas, have taken their passion for fruit one step further by directly importing products such as pitahaya and distributing them to supermarkets and gourmet stores across the U.S.

Cárdenas, who has been importing pitahaya for several years, emphasizes the importance of freshness, flavor, and transparency in the fruit distribution business. “We don’t work for volume, but for freshness,” she said, noting that while Ecuadorian produce is highly prized, small importers still struggle with the same tariffs that affect larger companies.

The Path Forward for Ecuadorian Exports

Despite the difficulties—ranging from high tariffs to stiff competition with local producers in Florida and California—Ecuadorian fruits continue to make inroads in the U.S. market. The increasing demand from Latin American communities in New York, Texas, and California is a strong indicator of the growing presence of Ecuadorian produce. As Malo notes, the challenge now is reaching the broader American consumer, but that will take time.

Ultimately, the future of Ecuadorian fruit exports to the U.S. will depend on the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations and the ability of Ecuador’s producers to adapt to a highly competitive market. While much remains uncertain, Ecuador’s fruits are likely to continue making their mark in the U.S.—one mango, pitahaya, and banana at a time.