AGP Executive Report

State of Exception in Azuay: Ecuador extended the emergency measures across Azuay and other provinces for 30 more days, keeping extraordinary police and military powers active against organized crime in Cuenca—while explicitly noting there’s no curfew for residents. Media Leadership: Teleamazonas named Andrés Badra (ex-Venevisión) as CEO, with priorities including financial sustainability, faster digital transformation, and new revenue streams. Ecuador–Colombia Security Spillover: Reports say the U.S. is pushing to expand its anti-drug maritime campaign onto land, with Ecuador already used as a “testing ground” for joint raids—raising concerns for cross-border operations. El Niño and Food Impacts: El Niño is expected to disrupt crops, with Peru’s mango season facing yield risks (up to 60% in some areas) and broader agricultural uncertainty as weather patterns intensify. Emerging Markets Capital: A Reuters-style roundup says emerging markets are still attracting record debt inflows despite war, tariffs, and AI-driven volatility—supported by reforms and stronger reserves.

Mining & Metals: DPM Metals says it reached commercial production at its Vareš silver-gold mine in Bosnia and Herzegovina, exceeding 60% of design throughput for 30 straight days and targeting a full 850,000 tonnes per year run-rate by end-2026. Ecuador–China Trade & Energy: President Daniel Noboa’s first state visit to China (Aug 16–23) aims to deepen ties after the China-Ecuador free trade deal, with talks expected to cover Coca Codo Sinclair operations and shrimp export disputes. Security & Maritime Risk: Ecuadorian fishermen report drone attacks that sank their boats; the U.S. is also pushing broader land operations with Colombia and others under anti-drug/anti-terror frameworks, raising regional spillover concerns. Agriculture & Climate: NOAA warns El Niño has a 95% chance of becoming very strong by late 2026, threatening rainfall and food supplies across Latin America. Disaster Response (Regional): Colombia’s 7.4 quake response continues as death tolls and missing figures shift, with international aid and rescue coordination underway. Trade Policy (Regional): Argentina’s fisheries transparency bill stalls, keeping commercial fleet data opaque compared with neighbors like Ecuador and Peru.

Ecuador–China Trade Push: President Daniel Noboa is set for a first state visit to China (Aug 16–23) to deepen the strategic partnership, with talks expected to cover energy cooperation, investment, and boosting Ecuadorian exports after the China–Ecuador free trade deal. Energy & Infrastructure: Noboa’s agenda also includes signing a contract tied to the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant’s operator transition, plus resolving shrimp-export disputes and discussing new Chinese bank loans. Maritime Security & Fishing Attacks: Ecuadorian fishers report drone-linked attacks that sank boats, while U.S. media claims point to a covert CIA program—an allegation the CIA did not confirm. Regional Disaster Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll has climbed to 289, with thousands affected and rescue efforts continuing as missing people remain a key concern. Agriculture & Climate Risk: NOAA warns El Niño has a 95% chance of becoming very strong by late 2026, raising risks for rainfall, farming, and food supplies across Latin America. Legal/Industry Watch: A $110M Ecuador energy lawsuit draws new calls for sanctions, adding pressure to the country’s power-construction disputes. Trade Data Transparency: Argentina’s stalled fisheries transparency bill highlights how public fleet data access lags behind neighbors including Ecuador.

Ecuador–China Trade & Energy: President Daniel Noboa is set for a state visit to China (Aug. 16–23) to deepen ties and push deals tied to exports, investment, and energy—especially the Coca Codo Sinclair handover contract and shrimp trade disputes. El Niño Risk for Industry: NOAA flags a 95% chance of very strong El Niño by late 2026, raising alarms for rainfall, water, and farming conditions across Latin America. Maritime Security & Fishing Attacks: Ecuadorian fishers report drone-linked attacks that sank boats, while U.S. claims of covert involvement remain disputed—an issue with direct knock-on effects for Ecuador’s coastal logistics and safety. Cocaine Seizure at the Border: Police confiscated 469 kg of cocaine near the Colombia border, with packages reportedly stamped with Erling Haaland’s image—another sign of evolving trafficking branding. Regional Earthquake Response (Colombia): An IDF humanitarian delegation begins work in quake-hit Colombia after the 7.4 tremor, as Ecuador is among the requested rescue partners. Architecture & Circular Materials: Italian firm Ricehouse highlights circular building materials by turning rice by-products into insulation and panels—relevant for Ecuador’s construction sustainability push.

Ecuador–China Trade & Energy: President Daniel Noboa is set for a 13-day state visit to China (Aug 16–23), aiming to deepen the strategic partnership after the 2024 free trade deal boosted exports; talks include Coca Codo Sinclair operations and shrimp export disputes, with China a key buyer of Ecuador’s shrimp, cocoa, bananas and mining. Climate Risk for Industry: NOAA warns El Niño has a 95% chance of becoming very strong by late 2026, raising pressure on farming, water planning and food supply chains across Latin America. Maritime Security Shock: Ecuadorian fishermen report “ghost ship” drone attacks that sank boats, while U.S. involvement is alleged but not verified; the incidents are now drawing wider international attention. Regional Disaster Response (Colombia): After a 7.4 quake, Colombia’s search-and-rescue is shifting as the 72-hour window closes; Ecuador is among the countries requested for help, and authorities say hundreds remain missing. Energy/Legal Tension: A contractor is seeking sanctions in a $110M Ecuador energy-related racketeering suit tied to alleged embezzlement and power-plant construction disputes. Drug Trafficking Signal: Police seized 469 kg of cocaine near the Ecuador–Colombia border, with packages reportedly stamped with Erling Haaland’s image. Manufacturing & Jobs: Trison Wells expands its South Carolina plant with a $3.37M investment and a new liquid-fill production line, supporting private-label cleaning output and linking to sister operations in Ecuador. Agrifood Supply Chain: Tierra Suelta launched a new website and SunJoya retail brand to help North American buyers manage year-round tropical produce programs. Street Art & Culture: Ecuador-born graffiti icon Lady Pink is highlighted in a new London exhibition, reinforcing Ecuador’s creative footprint abroad.

Ecuador–China Dealmaking: President Daniel Noboa will visit China Aug. 16–23 to deepen the strategic partnership, with talks expected to cover trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology, and boosting Ecuadorian exports. Security & Trade Risks: The U.S. is expanding its “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel push, with Colombia formally requesting joint operations on its soil—raising the stakes for regional security coordination. Drug Bust at the Border: Ecuador seized 469 kg of cocaine near the Colombia border; packages reportedly carried Erling Haaland’s image, with one suspect detained near Tulcán. Aquaculture Certification in Ecuador: Agriminigold became Ecuador’s first ASC Improver graduate after earning ASC certification, pairing shrimp production with mangrove protection and restoration. Logistics & Ports: DP World marked 20 years at Peru’s Port of Callao, investing about $1B and expanding capacity to support containerized trade. Disaster Watch (Regional Impact): Colombia’s 7.4 quake response is shifting as the 72-hour rescue window closes; officials report hundreds dead and many missing, with damage disrupting key coffee export routes. Local Industry Expansion: Trison Wells is investing $3.37M to expand its South Carolina manufacturing, adding a liquid-fill production line and 30 jobs; it also links to sister operations in Ecuador.

Manufacturing Expansion: Trison Wells is investing $3.37M to expand its private-label cleaning product plant in Walterboro, South Carolina, adding 30 jobs and a new liquid-fill production line. Ecuador–U.S. Security & Trade: Ecuador’s president met with Omar Al Olama on AI and cooperation, while the U.S. pushes its “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel coalition—Colombia has joined, and Ecuador is cited among participating countries. Drug Trafficking Signal: Ecuador police seized 469 kg of cocaine near the Colombia border, with packages reportedly stamped using Erling Haaland’s image—another twist in cross-border trafficking. Colombia Earthquake Response: After a 7.4 quake, Colombia’s rescue window is closing as hopes fade; Ecuador will send 35 rescuers plus nearly five tons of equipment and engineering specialists to support damage assessment. Aquaculture & Exports: Agriminigold became Ecuador’s first ASC Improver graduate, highlighting shrimp production plus mangrove restoration. Regional Logistics: DP World marked 20 years at Peru’s Port of Callao, investing about $1B and boosting capacity and throughput. Animal & Food Industry: Peru will host a regional workshop on sustainable jumbo flying squid management amid El Niño impacts.

Disaster Response in the Andes: Colombia’s earthquake search is entering its hardest phase as the 72-hour lifesaving window closes, with officials reporting 281 dead and 379 missing, while camps grow in Cali and Pereira and rescue teams keep digging despite fading odds. Ecuador’s Engineering Support: Ecuador confirms it will send 35 rescuers, about five tons of equipment, and structural/seismic engineers to help assess damage and classify buildings as habitable or not. Aid Politics: Mexico says Colombia blocked Mexican Army rescue brigadistas, while Colombia says it’s accepting help only from certified teams (US, El Salvador, Ecuador, Israel) amid controversy over whether ideology is driving decisions. Aquaculture & Exports: Peru will host a regional workshop on jumbo flying squid sustainability, with Ecuador, Chile, and Peru focusing on “pota/jibia” management as El Niño shifts catches. Ecuador Agribusiness Spotlight: Agriminigold becomes Ecuador’s first ASC Improver graduate, pairing shrimp production with mangrove restoration and women-led aquaculture initiatives. Mining & Gold Processing: Dynacor reports Q2 results showing its Peru plant running above design capacity and notes Ecuador expansion progress tied to its processing strategy.

Ecuador–Security & Trade: Ecuador police seized 370kg of cocaine near the Colombia border, with packages labeled using Erling Haaland’s image and name—another sign traffickers keep turning pop culture into branding for shipments. Colombia Earthquake Response: As Colombia nears the end of the 72-hour rescue window after a 7.4 quake, officials report 265 dead, 3,500+ injured and nearly 500 missing, while the new government faces scrutiny over how it handled foreign rescue offers. US–Colombia Security Alignment: Colombia’s new president is moving closer to Washington’s anti-cartel agenda, including authorization for joint operations under the “Shield of the Americas” framework—raising sovereignty concerns among critics. Agribusiness & Food Supply: USDA trimmed 2026-27 U.S. wheat production and ending stocks while adjusting corn, soybean and rice forecasts, a reminder that feed and grain costs can swing fast. Aquaculture & Inputs: BioMar posted higher Q2 volumes and revenue, lifting full-year expectations, while U.S. Aquacumbre says it generated $2M in sales for corn coproduct feed ingredients. Mining & Industry Watch: Dynacor advanced its Ecuador plant rehabilitation (Svetlana ~40% complete) with first ore processing expected in Q4 2026. Policy & Diplomacy: U.S. lawmakers urged designating Ecuador a Major Non-NATO Ally, citing Ecuador’s role in countering narcotics trafficking and organized crime.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll climbed to at least 254 as rescuers push deeper into the shrinking first 72-hour window, with President Abelardo de la Espriella moving toward an economic emergency to fund reconstruction of hospitals, schools and highways. Humanitarian Access: World Vision says communications and access remain tough and warns children are among the most at risk, while Catholic groups and other charities ramp up relief and appeals. Aid Politics: Colombia denied rejecting earthquake help on ideological grounds, saying it coordinated donations and limited rescue teams to those deemed qualified—an early flashpoint for the new government. Ecuador Link in the News: Ecuadorian authorities seized 469 kg of cocaine near the Colombia border, with traffickers reportedly branding bricks using Erling Haaland’s image. Energy & Rural Industry: IRENA and partners highlight how solar and micro-hydro can power rural agriculture and agro-processing across Latin America, including Ecuador. Trade & Agriculture: India signals a shift to selective Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), while Ecuador’s banana exports reportedly rose 5.5% in H1 2026.

Colombia Earthquake Response: The death toll from Monday’s 7.4 quake in western Colombia climbed to at least 254 as rescuers pushed deeper into the critical 72-hour window, with heavy losses reported in Pereira and Cali and thousands still unaccounted for. Disaster Coordination: Colombia’s new government faced scrutiny over delays in activating foreign search-and-rescue teams, even as multiple countries offered help and Colombia said it was organizing aid. Ecuador Fishing Security: A new investigation into attacks on Ecuadorian fishing vessels raises fresh fears about possible expansion of US-linked boat strikes, with survivors describing English-speaking assailants and drone involvement. Trade & Industry: India signaled a shift toward Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) over full FTAs, including talks involving Mercosur and interest from Ecuador. Aquaculture & Food Production: Punjab launched a major seafood and shrimp farming push, citing Ecuador as a model for aquaculture growth. Payments Tech: A study flags how outdated fraud systems can trigger false declines, costing banks revenue—highlighting Ecuador among markets studied.

Disaster Response: Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake has killed at least 240 people, with thousands missing, and rescue teams are still pulling survivors from collapsed buildings—while the quake’s impact is spreading across western cities like Pereira, Cali, and Manizales. Emergency Finance & Governance: President Abelardo de la Espriella is moving to declare an economic emergency to speed up spending and tax measures for the response. International Aid (including Ecuador): Colombia says it has received major offers of support and funding proposals from multiple countries and multilateral groups; Ecuador is among those offering help, including search-and-rescue capacity. Food & Agriculture Risk: A study on mycotoxins highlights fumonisin contamination in corn across Latin America, with Ecuador included—an issue that can hit livestock productivity and costs. Cocoa Supply Chain: With West Africa’s cocoa shortfalls, Switzerland is looking for more resilient sourcing; the market is still volatile after weather and disease disruptions. Payments & Trade Ops: Research flags how false card declines can cost banks millions—an operational hit relevant to Ecuador’s financial sector. Public Health: A hepatitis A outbreak tied to imported frozen clams from Ecuador remains under investigation in the US.

Colombia Earthquake Response: A 7.4-magnitude quake hit western Colombia near San José del Palmar, killing at least 169–224 people (figures vary by update) and injuring hundreds, with thousands missing and major damage across Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó; Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency as volunteers cleared rubble by hand and airports suspended or restricted flights. Humanitarian Access: Aid groups warn response is harder due to remote terrain and rising violence, while the UN and partners move supplies and focus on shelter, health, food security and protection—especially for women and children. Aviation Disruptions: Civil aviation authorities reported temporary suspensions at multiple western Colombia airports as infrastructure assessments continue. Ecuador Link: The shaking was felt in Ecuador, and the disaster adds pressure to regional logistics and emergency coordination. Food Safety Watch: Separately, U.S. health officials are still investigating a hepatitis A outbreak tied to imported frozen clams from Ecuador, with illnesses spanning multiple states and a long shelf-life product keeping the probe open. Aviation Industry Milestone: Robinson Helicopters delivered its 5,000th R44 Raven II, with a delivery to a dealer in Ecuador and continued work on autonomous and retrofit variants.

Colombia Earthquake Response: A 7.4-magnitude quake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar (Chocó), killing at least 132 people and injuring hundreds as rescue teams work through collapsed buildings in cities like Pereira and Cali; Colombia declared a national emergency and mobilized health, military, and volunteers while airports and services were disrupted. Ecuador Security & Mining Violence: Ecuador police found eight dismembered bodies in mass graves at an illegal mine in Azuay’s Pucará, tied to gang control over gold and copper operations, underscoring how organized crime is expanding into extractive sectors. Food & Agribusiness Signals: Dole reported Q2 revenue up 2.9% but lower adjusted EBITDA, citing higher fruit procurement and shipping costs that squeezed margins—an issue that matters for Ecuador’s banana supply chain and regional logistics. Local Industry Culture: Quito-based architect Diana Salvador was highlighted for efficiency-driven, sustainable design—an angle that resonates with Ecuador’s construction and built-environment audience.

Disaster Response: Colombia declared a state of emergency after a 7.4 earthquake killed at least 111 people and damaged more than 1,500 buildings, with rescuers racing to free survivors in Chocó, Pereira, Cali and other western regions. Cross-Border Impact: The quake was felt in Ecuador and neighboring countries, raising concerns for infrastructure and emergency readiness along the Pacific corridor. Public Safety & Logistics: Authorities launched hospital red alerts and some airports halted operations, while aftershocks and structural risks kept evacuations and assessments ongoing. Security & Trade Watch: Ecuador’s electricity and border strategy could shift as Ecuador’s president met Colombia’s new leader, with both sides signaling closer alignment on security and commerce. Industry & Markets: U.S. Section 301 tariffs are pushing up costs for salmon and shrimp importers, directly affecting Ecuador’s seafood exporters. Maritime: The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of 22 crew after a fire on a COSCO-managed car carrier en route to Ecuador’s Manta. Local Tourism: Ecuador’s humpback whale season is underway along the coast, boosting travel and small tour operators. Capital Markets: Ticketplus closed its IPO on NYSE American, while Realpage unveiled its Lumina AI Suite for real estate operations.

Ecuador Security & Mining: Ecuador police found eight dismembered bodies in two mass graves at an illegal gold-and-copper mine in Pucará, Azuay, tied to irregular extractive activity and gang influence, with victims reportedly buried about two meters deep and showing machete injuries; authorities say the site lacked permits and identities are pending. Public Health: Ecuador reported 1,771 hepatitis A cases in the first 30 weeks of 2026, up 39.4%, with children ages 5–9 now the most affected group—health officials link spread to unsafe water, poor hygiene, and weak sanitation. Ecuador Agriculture & Trade: Ecuador’s banana exports rose 5.5% in H1 2026, adding momentum for a key sector. Shrimp Industry (Ecuador-linked): The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership welcomed new associate members Aker QRILL Company, EDISA, and MILANPLASTIC, expanding collaboration aimed at improving sustainability across Ecuador’s shrimp supply chain. Regional Security & Policy: Colombia’s new right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella, confirmed entry into Trump’s “Shield of the Americas” and Washington pledged a $1 billion security package to back a hardline crackdown on organized crime and illegal migration. Maritime Logistics: A Chinese car carrier fire off Costa Rica led to 22 seafarers being rescued by nearby vessels and set for delivery to shore in Japan. Global Seafood Market: Vietnam’s seafood exports grew 11.5% to nearly $6.86B in the first seven months of 2026, signaling strong demand but continued headwinds.