AGP Executive Report

Amazon Mining Fight: Ecuador-linked documentary “When Waterfalls Die” spotlights the Shuar Arutam community’s pushback against open-pit copper mining plans in the Ecuadorian Amazon, framing it as a clash with rights of nature and Indigenous territory. Energy Crunch: Ecuador extended electricity disconnections again—up to 72 hours for large companies and 48 hours for thousands of medium firms—citing low water at Mazar and Coca Codo Sinclair, while business groups question who bears the burden. Oil & Gas Tender: Ecuador announced a December 2026 tender for remote Amazon oil blocks, despite Indigenous nations rejecting the proposed rounds and warning of legal, environmental, and financial risks. Trade & Tariffs: U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced the “Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act” to protect wild-caught Gulf shrimpers from Ecuador’s growing seafood imports. Governance & Diplomacy: Ecuador reaffirmed support at the UN for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan, calling it the only credible path forward. Safety on the Job: An Ecuadorian TV reporter and cameraman were hit by a vehicle while covering a landslide in Monterrey, Mexico, escaping with minor injuries.

Energy Crisis: Ecuador extended power disconnections again, pushing large companies to 72 hours after low water at Mazar and Coca Codo Sinclair, with 9,089 medium firms facing 48-hour cuts next week—sparking complaints from industry leaders about fairness. Oil & Indigenous Rights: Ecuador announced a December 2026 tender for remote Amazon oil blocks, but seven Indigenous nations rejected the plan, warning of legal, operational, and environmental risks and uncertainty over whether the rounds will proceed. Trade & Agriculture: A new U.S. bill, the Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act, targets rising Ecuador shrimp imports that lawmakers say are harming American wild-caught shrimpers, proposing phased tariff increases and stronger origin labeling. Logistics & Connectivity: Quito is set to expand North American connectivity with new direct Air Canada flights. Industry & Finance: A regional push against organized crime finances highlights Guatemala’s new anti-money-laundering law, shifting focus from kingpin arrests to tracing assets—an approach linked to Ecuador–Colombia–Peru cash-control efforts. Safety in Media: Ecuadorian TV reporter Alma de la Rosa Flores and cameraman Cristo Morales were hit by a pickup truck while covering a landslide in Monterrey, Mexico, ending a live broadcast but leaving them with minor injuries.

Energy Crisis: Ecuador’s Energy Ministry extended corporate power disconnections again, moving large-company cuts from 48 to 72 hours as water levels at Mazar and Coca Codo Sinclair stay low, while 9,089 medium firms face 48-hour outages next week. Maritime & Security: Human Rights Watch says U.S. forces intercepted and destroyed eight Ecuadorian fishing vessels in late August–mid September, detaining over 140 crew and alleging abuse, urging both governments to disclose the legal basis and investigate. Trade & Compliance: Ecuadorian lawyers report rising scrutiny of supply chains and third parties after the U.S. designated Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization, with impacts flagged for shrimp farming, agribusiness, ports and maritime services. EV Industry: Ecuador’s EV momentum keeps climbing, with reporting citing BEV growth to over 10% and PHEVs pushing the market close to 20%. Legislation: A U.S. bill would raise tariffs on Ecuador shrimp imports, phasing up to 40% by 2029 and funding inspections. Infrastructure & Logistics: Quito announced expanded North American connectivity with new Air Canada direct flights.

Maritime Security Near Ecuador: Human Rights Watch says U.S. forces intercepted and destroyed eight Ecuadorian fishing vessels (Aug. 28–Sept. 16), detaining 140+ crew and alleging abuse, while noting neither side has publicly shown evidence linking individual crew to crimes. Oil & Gas / Indigenous Opposition: Ecuador’s ENAEP 2026 summit comes as Indigenous nations reject planned 2026 Amazon oil auctions (Ronda Suroriente and Ronda Subandina), warning they will keep protesting projects overlapping their territories. Energy Costs & Logistics: A potential U.S. diesel export ban is flagged as a major risk for global freight, food production, and machinery costs—diesel is described as a key fuel for trucks, ships, tractors, and generators. Agribusiness & Trade: A U.S. senator introduces an “Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act” to raise duties on Ecuadorian shrimp imports, reaching 40% by 2029, plus funding for inspections and origin labeling. EV Market Signal for Ecuador: A report highlights Ecuador’s rapid EV growth, citing BEV share above 10% and near 20% when PHEVs are included. Mining & Processing: Dynacor appoints Jonathan Hill as COO, with the company operating gold projects in Peru and Ecuador and expanding across South America and Africa. Aviation / Tourism: Quito adds new direct Air Canada flights, boosting North American access to Ecuador’s capital. Coffee Sector Spotlight: FAO marks International Coffee Day, emphasizing sustainable, climate-smart production and support for smallholder farmers.

Stablecoin Payments in LatAm Commerce: Exodus launched “Exodus Checkout” with DIRECTV’s DGO, letting eligible customers pay subscriptions with dollar stablecoins, starting in Argentina and expanding to Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Uruguay—and Ecuador. Energy Crunch in Ecuador: The government extended electricity disconnections for large consumers from 24 to 48 hours a week, citing worsening conditions at major hydro plants as El Niño strains generation. Amazon Oil vs Indigenous Rights: At ENAEP 2026, Ecuador’s oil summit faced renewed pushback: seven Indigenous nations issued a joint declaration rejecting planned 2026 Amazon auctions (Ronda Suroriente and Ronda Subandina) over territory impacts. Quito Boosts Air Links: Quito announced new direct Air Canada flights to strengthen North American connectivity and tourism access to the capital. El Niño Hits Food and Fishing: UNICEF warned 25.8M children across Latin America face high El Niño rainfall risks, while AFP reported tuna and other fish migrating offshore, leaving Ecuador’s Pacific fishers with emptier nets. Critical Minerals Security Pact: The Shield of the Americas added critical mineral supply chains to its economic pillar, aiming for trusted sourcing and investment-screening mechanisms.

El Niño Disruption Watch: New research warns a “super” El Niño could intensify into 2027, raising flooding risk in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil while drought hits elsewhere—threatening supply chains, commodity output and infrastructure. Fisheries Pressure in Ecuador: Ocean warming linked to El Niño is emptying nets along Latin America’s Pacific coast, with tuna and other key species moving offshore, leaving Ecuador’s small ports with idle boats and weak catches. Amazon Oil vs Indigenous Rights: At Quito’s ENAEP 2026, Ecuador’s oil push faces fresh backlash as seven Indigenous nations reject planned 2026 Amazon auctions, citing legal, environmental and operational risks and warning investors off extraction in their territories. Shrimp Supply Shift: Ecuador’s shrimp growth continues as technification ramps up, but the broader region faces supply volatility tied to climate and market dynamics. U.S.-Ecuador Security Link: Reports say U.S. troops are expanding operations in Ecuador’s drug war, while U.S. officials signal more options in anti-cartel campaigns across the region. Tourism & Venues: Ecuador gets a nod via Ecuador’s Metropolitan Touring named among nominees for a global sustainable travel award category, highlighting regional hospitality visibility.

Oil & Indigenous Rights: Ecuador’s oil summit in Quito comes as Amazon auction plans stall, with seven Indigenous nations warning investors that overlapping blocks for the 2026 “Ronda” are legally, operationally, and environmentally risky and urging companies to stop pursuing extraction. Mining Finance: Atico Mining secured a US$95m Trafigura project finance facility plus a US$16.4m convertible debenture private placement to fund Ecuador’s La Plata gold-copper project construction. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. exempted specialty drugs and key ingredients from ad valorem tariffs for Ecuador and other markets, a move that could affect Ecuador’s pharma supply chains and import costs. Climate & Coastal Risk: A “Kelvin wave” tied to El Niño is already lifting seas off Ecuador and is expected to raise coastal water levels for months, adding pressure to flood and erosion planning. Agriculture & Cocoa: Mars says its cocoa sourcing reached 98% of needs via its responsible program in 2025, and notes a climate-smart agriculture push that includes Ecuador and Peru. Regional Diplomacy: Antigua and Barbuda backed former Ecuadorian foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa for UN secretary-general, breaking CARICOM consensus and reshaping the race.

Mining & Finance: Atico Mining secured a US$95m project finance facility from Trafigura plus a US$16.4m convertible debenture for Ecuador’s La Plata gold-and-copper project, aiming to fund pre-construction and move toward development. Cold-Chain Logistics: Great White Fleet announced a Pan-American and European expansion with a new vessel, 2,000 refrigerated containers, and a direct Guayaquil-to-U.S./Europe service to boost cold-chain capacity for Q4 2026. Pharma Trade: The U.S. waived 100% ad valorem tariffs on select specialty drugs and ingredients from Ecuador and 19 other markets, covering areas like orphan drugs, cell and gene therapies, and medical countermeasures. Environment & Marine Impact: A study found plastic pollution off Ecuador reaching nearly 4,000 meters deep in the Pacific, with fishing and tourism/recreation items among the main sources. Energy & Water Stress: Ecuador’s Mazar reservoir saw temporary relief from weekend rain, but CELEC warned the downward trend may resume as it adjusts generation amid ongoing constraints at Coca Codo Sinclair. Climate Watch: Scientists warn of a “super” El Niño, with potential global weather impacts that could spill into Ecuador’s agriculture and water planning. UN Diplomacy: The Security Council held its fourth straw poll to narrow candidates to replace UN chief Guterres, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan reported as leading.

UN Diplomacy: The UN Security Council held its 4th closed-door straw poll for the next secretary-general, leaving seven candidates in the race, including Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki and Maria Fernanda Espinosa. Environment & Industry: A new study reports plastic pollution off Ecuador reaching nearly 4,000 meters deep in the Pacific, with bags, fishing nets and bottles found far below the surface—an issue tied to coastal waste and fishing activity. Amazon Tech for Conservation: The Achuar community of Sharamentsa (Sharamentsa Viva) is using cameras, training and ancestral knowledge to monitor forest biodiversity and preserve culture in Ecuador’s Amazon. Mining Finance: Atico Mining secured a US$95m project finance facility plus a US$16.4m convertible debenture placement to advance its La Plata gold and copper project in Ecuador. Energy & Water: CELEC says weekend rain temporarily boosted the Mazar reservoir, but water levels are expected to keep falling as Ecuador adjusts generation amid the electricity crisis. Trade & Pharma: The US exempted select speciality drugs and ingredients (including Ecuador) from 100% tariffs, a move that could reshape regional pharma supply planning.

Pharma Trade: The US Commerce Department published a Federal Register list exempting select speciality medicines and related ingredients from the new 100% tariff framework, with India and 19 other jurisdictions including Ecuador covered; the zero-duty categories target rare-disease drugs, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and certain veterinary products. Aviation & Infrastructure: Airports Council International says Latin America and the Caribbean need about US$178B over 30 years to nearly double passenger capacity by 2045, as connectivity still lags post-pandemic. Ecuador Climate Readiness: Cuenca’s El Niño planning is getting attention for preparing for both floods and drought at once, reflecting how local geography can flip conditions within the same canton. Skilled Migration: Australia updated skilled visa processing priorities, placing construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and resources at the top tier. Security & Justice: Colombia extradited a rebel commander nicknamed “Araña” to the US, underscoring cross-border pressure around cocaine corridors near Ecuador.

Energy & Industry: Trump backs a potential ban on US diesel exports to shield domestic drivers from record-high fuel prices, but experts warn it could ripple through Latin America—where 60% to 70% of US diesel exports go—hitting transport, farming and metal producers including Ecuador. Trade & Pharma: The US will apply 0% ad valorem tariffs to certain speciality drugs and ingredients from India and 19 other jurisdictions, including Ecuador, as a 100% tariff on some patented pharma imports approaches Sept. 29. Security & Logistics: Colombian police arrested the wife and daughter of Ecuador drug boss Adolfo “Fito” Macías, alleging money laundering via shell companies; the case underscores cross-border pressure on Ecuador’s criminal supply chains. Aviation: Ecuador’s National Assembly approved an updated Organic Civil Aviation Law with stronger passenger protections, but it’s not yet in force pending presidential action and publication. Environment & Agriculture: Galápagos livestock farmers link expanding cattle operations to biodiversity decline, while Ecuador’s electricity system continues tightening with early El Niño-linked emergencies and ongoing hydropower stress.

Maritime Security & Drugs: In Manta, Ecuador’s tuna hub, U.S. forces have struck at least eight fishing vessels since Aug. 28, alleging they served as “floating refueling stations” for cocaine runs—paying fishermen tens of thousands where fishing brings a few hundred dollars a month. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Colombia arrested the wife and daughter of Ecuador drug boss Adolfo “Fito” Macías, targeting alleged money laundering tied to Los Choneros, with Ecuador and the FBI involved. Food Safety & Exports: The FDA and CDC warned against a black clam product imported from Ecuador after a hepatitis A outbreak linked to “La Serranita” sickened dozens and hospitalized most cases. Agribusiness & Supply Chains: Cocoa’s supply squeeze is pushing a “nature-first” response—research highlights that restoring pollinators and biodiversity-friendly farming can boost yields up to 20%. Trade & Logistics: The Chancay–Shanghai route logged 170 voyages Jan–Aug with cargo up 13.7%, positioning Peru—and nearby Ecuador—as a faster Pacific logistics link. Aviation/Infrastructure: Ecuador’s CAAP-linked airport operator story underscores resilient revenue and commercial growth even as passenger traffic softens. International Policy: OAS states urged the UN to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate with full funding and deployment support. Ecuador Business Expansion: RIMAN expanded to Ecuador as part of a push to reach 22 markets across Europe and Latin America.

Port & Trade: Peru’s Chancay–Shanghai route logged 170 voyages in Jan–Aug, moving 141,000 tons and boosting cargo value 33.3%—and the corridor is now positioned to serve Peru, Chile, and Ecuador via faster Pacific logistics. Food Safety: The FDA/CDC linked Ecuador-exported frozen black clams (“La Serranita”) to a hepatitis A outbreak, with 37 cases reported and 30 hospitalizations—authorities warn consumers not to eat or sell the product. Energy & Industry: Ecuador ordered weekly power cuts for 860 medium-size companies (and already cut 185 largest users), citing low output at Coca Codo Sinclair and faster-than-expected reservoir drops at Mazar to prevent blackouts. Agribusiness: Ecuador’s banana sector is watching pressured supply-chain conditions, while the Philippines’ banana exports rebounded to 2nd globally—raising competitive pressure for regional exporters. Security & Trade Risks: Colombia extradited a FARC dissident leader (“Spider”) to the US on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, underscoring tighter cross-border enforcement that can spill into Ecuador-linked routes.

Food Safety & Exports: The FDA and CDC issued a warning over Ecuador-linked frozen black clams (La Serranita brand) tied to a hepatitis A outbreak, with 37 cases reported and most hospitalized, after illnesses linked to raw/undercooked shellfish. Energy & Industry: Ecuador’s energy minister ordered weekly power cuts starting Sept. 28, disconnecting 860 medium-size businesses for one day and 185 largest users for 24 hours, citing low output at Coca Codo Sinclair and rapidly falling water levels at the Mazar complex. Security & Trade Risks: Colombia extradited a FARC dissident leader accused of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism to the U.S., underscoring tighter security alignment with Washington. Health & Pharma: P-CAB drug makers are pivoting into diabetes, with companies expanding SGLT-2 and diabetes/obesity pipelines and noting Envlo’s growing prescriptions, including in Ecuador. Regional Crime Watch: A major “Fish Conspiracy” cocaine plot using frozen fish shipments was met with long prison sentences in the UK, highlighting how South American supply chains can be exploited.

Power Crunch in Ecuador: Energy Minister Juan Carlos Blum ordered weekly power cuts starting Sept. 28, disconnecting 860 medium-size businesses (and already cutting 185 largest users) to prevent blackouts as water levels fall at Coca Codo Sinclair and the Mazar complex. Cross-Border Security: Ecuador authorized U.S. military personnel and contractors to stay up to 180 days under a special migration registration tied to security operations at Taura Air Base. Drug Trade Pressure: Colombia extradited FARC dissident leader Geovany Andres Rojas (“Spider”) to the U.S., signaling tighter alignment with Washington after Petro’s more negotiation-focused approach. Regional Security Coordination: OAS member states, including Ecuador, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with funding and logistics. Supply Chain & Compliance Watch: Italy’s plastics machinery firms are set to showcase at ColombiaPlast in Bogotá, with Ecuador among buyers in matchmaking sessions. Global Health & Disaster Response: Direct Relief shipped medical aid ahead of Hurricane Nolo’s impacts in Hawai’i.

Cross-Border Security: Ecuador and the U.S. ramped up joint action against the Mexican Jalisco New Generation Cartel, with 50 U.S. troops helping Ecuadorian authorities arrest 30+ suspects tied to drug trafficking routes moving from Ecuador’s ports toward Central America, the U.S., and Europe. Maritime & Trade Risk: A major UK case highlights how criminal networks try to exploit legitimate supply chains: a “Fish Conspiracy” planned to hide ~600kg of cocaine (and ketamine) in frozen fish shipments to London’s Billingsgate Market, using Ecuador-linked sourcing contacts, before the plot was dismantled and four men received 13–22 year sentences. Diplomacy & Justice: Colombia extradited a senior FARC dissident commander (“Spider”) to the U.S. on drug-trafficking charges tied to alleged operations involving Colombia and Ecuador since 2017. Energy & Industry Operations: Ecuador authorized U.S. military personnel and contractors to stay up to 180 days under special migration registration as U.S. forces operate alongside Ecuadorian authorities at Taura Air Base. Power Supply Pressure: Ecuador ordered weekly power cuts for 185 energy-intensive companies as the country races to prevent blackouts amid ongoing electricity stress.