Export trade to the external market has been fundamental for the development of the national economy. Currently, oil exports are the most important. The foreign trade of bananas, shrimps, cocoa, flowers and tropical fruits is remarkable. Progressively, the country is diversifying its exports to other regions and countries of the world, especially the neighboring and Latin American countries.
Imports of goods come from the United States, the European Union, Asian countries, Japan and China. Countries that are suppliers of consumer goods, lubricants and fuels, raw material for the national industry and machinery. Ecuador is heavily dependent on these imports. This is an important cause of the decapitalization of the national economy.