Ecuador’s trade balance shifted to a deficit of $283.9 million in April 2026, compared with a surplus of $382.2 million in the same month a year earlier. Imports jumped 38.8% year-on-year to $3.48 billion, led by a 127.9% surge in purchases of fuels and lubricants. Imports of raw materials increased 19.1%, while consumer goods and capital goods rose 15.2% and 16.3%, respectively. Exports grew 10.6% to $3.19 billion. Shipments of primary products were up 13.0%, whereas exports of industrialized goods slipped 0.2%.