Ecuador retail sector sees growth in imports and shopping mall activity

Ecuador's retail and import sectors are showing significant growth. Christmas-related imports reached $4.03 million CIF between January and July 2026, according to the National Customs Service of Ecuador (Senae). This represents an increase from the $3.27 million recorded during the same period in 2025. The rise in imports is attributed to early procurement strategies by retailers and tariff advantages from the trade agreement with China.

Simultaneously, the shopping mall industry in Ecuador generates between $4 billion and $6 billion annually. Data presented at the 4th Latin American Shopping Center Congress in Quito indicates that over 750,000 square meters of new developments were added between 2025 and 2026. This expansion aligns with rising domestic consumption; household spending grew by 3.9% in the first quarter of 2026, contributing 2.4 points to the GDP growth, according to the Central Bank of Ecuador.

Retail sales in the country saw a 19.1% increase in August 2026, the largest jump of the year reported by the Internal Revenue Service (SRI). While sales are rising, inflation remained relatively low at 1.39% in July 2026, according to INEC.