# Ecuador and Peru economic developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ecuador-and-peru-economic-developments > Updated: 2026-09-09T21:44:52.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 8. The economic landscape in Ecuador and Peru has shown diverse developments throughout 2026, characterized by growth in specific sectors alongside challenges in financial regulation and digital adoption. In Ecuador, the digital economy is seeing expansion through the live streaming industry, highlighted by the Live Master International 2026 summit in Guayaquil. While electronic payment methods represented 97% of authorized services by the end of 2025, cash remains a significant preference for many citizens. Micro-enterprises continue to be a dominant force, accounting for 93% of all active businesses in 2025. Bilateral trade between Ecuador and Peru increased by 33.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching USD 1,226.7 million. Recent data indicates significant growth in Ecuador’s retail and import sectors. Christmas-related imports reached $4.03 million CIF between January and July 2026, and retail sales saw a 19.1% increase in August 2026. In the second quarter of 2026, Ecuador recorded record-breaking exports. The petroleum sector saw growth driven by international crude prices averaging $87.1 per barrel, a 51.9% increase over the previous year, which helped offset a 9.8% decline in export volume. In the non-oil sector, shrimp exports reached a record $2,554.4 million, up 7.9% from Q2 2025, driven by demand from China and the United States. However, cocoa and processed products declined by 54.9% due to price corrections. In September 2026, data from Ecuador’s Statistical Registry of Companies (REEM) via INEC revealed that the country’s business sector, comprising 1,204,276 companies, supports 2.98 million registered jobs and generates a total wage mass of USD 27,533 million. Additionally, the platform Ecuanomía has emerged to transform complex datasets from public and international institutions into accessible narratives to help the public understand national economic trends. Earlier in the month, President Daniel Noboa announced fuel price reductions effective September 12. ## Claims - Micro-enterprises represented 93% of active businesses in Ecuador in 2025. (single source) - There were approximately 1.12 million registered businesses in Ecuador. (single source) - Imports under the postal and express mail regime grew from USD 556.1 million in 2024 to USD 978.3 million in 2025. (single source) - Postal and express mail imports in Ecuador saw a growth of 75.9%. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Ecuador business sector supports 2.98 million jobs Ecuador's business sector supports 2.98 million registered jobs and a USD 27,533 million wage mass, according to INEC data highlighted by local institutions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-business-sector-supports-298-million-jobs ### 2026-09-09: Global fuel prices fluctuate with hikes in Chile and Spain and drops in Ecuador Fuel prices are fluctuating globally: Spain sees rising gasoline costs alongside falling diesel, Chile faces significant consecutive hikes, and Ecuador implements its third month of fuel price reductions. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fuel-prices-adjust-in-ecuador-and-chile ### 2026-09-07: Ecuador fuel prices to decrease for Extra, Ecopaís, and diesel in September Ecuador will reduce prices for Extra, Ecopaís, and premium diesel by three cents per gallon starting September 12, 2026, while Super gasoline prices may rise due to international market volatility. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-reports-record-exports-in-second-quarter-of-2026 ### 2026-09-07: Ecuador retail sector sees growth in imports and shopping mall activity Ecuador's retail sector is expanding, with Christmas imports reaching $4.03 million by July 2026 and shopping malls generating up to $6 billion annually amid rising consumer spending. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-retail-sector-sees-growth-in-imports-and-shopping-mall-activity ### 2026-09-05: Ecuador faces economic challenges in payment security and investment attraction Ecuador navigates a shifting economic environment where cash remains valued despite a 97% dominance of digital payments, while the nation seeks to attract investment through improved security and stability. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-faces-economic-challenges-in-payment-security-and-investment-attraction ### 2026-09-01: Ecuador micro-enterprises drive 75.9% growth in postal imports Micro-enterprises represent 93% of active businesses in Ecuador, with postal and express mail imports growing 75.9% to USD 978.3 million in 2025 as digital commerce expands. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-micro-enterprises-drive-759-growth-in-postal-imports ### 2026-08-26: Ecuador and Peru report significant economic shifts in 2026 Ecuador and Peru report significant economic shifts in 2026, including a 33.5% surge in bilateral trade and rising digital consumption, despite Ecuador facing issues with illegal financial entities. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-and-peru-trade-volume-rises-335-in-early-2026 ### 2026-08-17: Ecuadorian digital economy sees streaming growth and cash dominance Ecuadorian digital trends show growth in the TikTok LIVE streaming sector in Guayaquil, while Mastercard reports that cash still dominates local payments due to low acceptance rates. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuadorian-digital-economy-sees-streaming-growth-and-cash-dominance --- Cite as: Ecuador and Peru economic developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ecuador-and-peru-economic-developments