Economic Activities in Ecuador: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Ecuador, with a population of about 18,289,896 (2025, World Bank), is ranked 70th in the world, just behind Guatemala. Located in South America, it covers a total area of 256,370 square kilometers, ranking 75th globally, just below Gabon.

Ecuador’s economy in 2025 had a GDP of approximately $130.32 billion (current US$), according to the World Bank. The GDP per capita in Ecuador for 2025 was about $7,125 (current US$).

Despite facing challenges, Ecuador’s economy shows promise for growth and development, with potential for further advancement in the coming years.

Ecuador Economic Structure & Sector Analysis

• Primary activities (agriculture, forestry, fishing): 9.7% of GDP (2025).
• Secondary activities (industry, incl. construction): 25.7% of GDP (2025).
• Tertiary activities (services): 57.0% of GDP (2025, World Bank).

Ecuador economy by sector

Share of GDP, 2025, compared with the world average

Primary Sector of Ecuador

With 22.02% of the country’s land dedicated to agriculture, Ecuador produces a wide range of agricultural products such as sugarcane, bananas, oil palm fruit, milk, maize, rice, plantains, chicken, cocoa beans, and pineapples.

Agriculture contributes roughly 9.7% to GDP value added (2025) and is an important part of the economy. The variety of crops and animal products provides sustenance, employment, and export opportunities in Ecuador.

With its diverse geology, the primary sector thrives in Ecuador. Abundant in petroleum, fish, timber, and hydropower, these resources fuel the economy, providing employment and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.Ecuador’s oil production of approximately 472,873 barrels per day ranks it 19th globally. With reserves of 8.27 billion barrels, it holds 0.5% of the world’s oil reserves, further solidifying its position in the oil economic activity.Ecuador’s gas production, totaling 497 million m³ in 2020, secures its position as the 73rd largest producer globally.

Secondary Sector of Ecuador

In Ecuador, major industrial products include petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, and chemicals. These goods are manufactured for domestic consumption and export, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.In 2023, Ecuador’s total exports are dominated by industries other than manufactures, making their contribution relatively insignificant.

Tertiary sector of Ecuador

The tertiary sector in Ecuador encompasses services that enhance productivity and meet various needs. Main activities include healthcare, education, banking, tourism, transportation, and telecommunications. These services provide intangible goods like expertise, advice, and attention, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and development.Highlighting these, Ecuador’s economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP. With an impressive 2,108,000 annual arrivals, accounting for 0.1171 of the population, Ecuador’s tourism thrives. The Galápagos Islands and Quito’s historic center are among the most popular destinations, attracting visitors worldwide for their unique natural wonders and cultural heritage.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 17.5 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth. That works out to nearly 97 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Ecuador

In Ecuador, the military relies on the primary sector for resource extraction, such as minerals. The secondary sector is important too, as it includes the manufacturing of military equipment. The military also provides services, which is part of the tertiary sector. Research and development in military technology fall under the quaternary sector, while high-level decision-making is part of the quinary sector.

In 2024, Ecuador’s military expenditure was about 2,698 million US dollars, which is roughly 2.2% of its GDP (SIPRI). The active military force consists of 40,250 personnel. This means there are about 9.6 active military members for every 1,000 people in the country.

International Trade of Ecuador

Import Activities of Ecuador

Imports in Ecuador accounted for 28.52% of GDP in 2023, totaling $32.81 billion. These imports drive economic growth and supply essential goods and services.Ecuador’s key import activities include refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, natural gas, and soybean meal. Its top import partners are the US (26%), China (23%), Colombia (6%), Peru (4%), and Brazil (4%).

Exports Activities of Ecuador

Ecuador’s total exports in 2023 were $33.56 billion, accounting for 29.17% of its GDP. This indicates that exports are of medium importance to the country’s economy.Ecuador primarily exports crude petroleum, shellfish, bananas, fish, and refined petroleum. Its top export partners are the US (27%), China (17%), Panama (14%), Chile (4%), and Colombia (3%).

Ecuador economy challenges in 2024

In 2024, Ecuador faces ongoing economic challenges despite successful debt restructuring. Social unrest continues to hinder growth, exacerbated by heavy reliance on oil and recent COVID-19 impacts. China’s funding helps, but the country struggles to stabilize its economy and address social issues.

Sources

• World Bank Data: Ecuador
• IMF: Ecuador
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
• SIPRI Military Expenditure Database

Last updated: October 2026