July 24, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, and Luis Jaramillo, Ecuador’s Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investments, have signed the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Today’s signing marks an important milestone in Canada’s efforts to diversify trade and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses. It also reflects Canada and Ecuador’s shared commitment to strengthening their trade and investment relationship and bringing the agreement into force as soon as possible.

Ecuador is Canada’s sixth-largest merchandise trading partner in South America, with two-way merchandise trade reaching $2 billion in 2025, a 2.9% increase from the previous year.

By eliminating tariffs and reducing trade barriers, the FTA will improve market access for Canadian exporters, enabling businesses to grow, create good jobs, and generate long-term economic benefits for workers, businesses, and consumers in both countries.

Following the signing of the agreement, Canada and Ecuador will each complete their respective domestic ratification processes. The FTA will enter into force after ratification procedures are complete.