China market welcomes Ecuador's first batch of duty-free canned tuna

Recently, Ecuador announced that it will export the first batch of duty-free canned tuna products to China through the Free Trade Association, marking an important step in the field of trade cooperation between the two countries. 

It is reported that the free trade agreement between Ecuador and China came into force on May 1 last year.  Under the agreement, tariffs on canned tuna exports from Ecuador to China were reduced from 5 per cent to 0 per cent.  This change has provided more favorable conditions for Ecuador's canned tuna products to enter the China market, and has also created a more favorable environment for its expansion in the China market. 

Gustavo Caceres, president of Ecuador's China Chamber of Commerce, said on February 14 that the reduction of tuna tariffs was an important milestone in trade cooperation between the two countries.  He revealed that the first batch of canned tuna products will soon be shipped to China, which will open a new chapter for the sales of Ecuadorian canned tuna products in the China market. 

Although China is not currently Ecuador's main market for tuna, Caceres believes the export represents significant progress in diversifying trade between the two countries.  He stressed that through cooperation with China, Ecuador could further expand its export channels for tuna products and enhance its international competitiveness. 

At the same time, it is worth noting that although Ecuadorian canned tuna products can enjoy duty-free access to the China market, China tuna still needs to be subject to tariffs when entering the Ecuadorian market.  This measure aims to protect Ecuador's local market from foreign products. 

According to the latest data from Fedexpor, Ecuador exported $1.504 billion worth of canned tuna products to the world between January and November 2024, up 25% year-on-year.  The EU is Ecuador's largest market for canned tuna, but Ecuador is actively exploring other markets, including Canada, China and South Korea. 

In addition, Caceres revealed that Ecuador has been working hard to reach a free trade agreement with the United States.  He believes that the United States and China are two distinct markets with different consumer groups and market needs.  Through cooperation with these two countries, Ecuador will further expand its export market for tuna products and enhance its position in the international market.