More information about Ecuador is available on the Ecuador Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-ECUADOR RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Ecuador in 1848 following its withdrawal from its federation with Colombia. The United States and Ecuador share a history of partnership and cooperation, and have mutual interests in combating narco-trafficking, reducing poverty, fostering Ecuador's economic development, increasing trade, protecting U.S. citizens and interests, and promoting a commitment to representative democracy.
The United States and Ecuador are making efforts to improve diplomatic relations. The two countries launched a bilateral dialogue in 2008, which was suspended in April 2011, after the Government of Ecuador declared the then-U.S. Ambassador persona non grata, citing alleged confidential cables released to the public by the WikiLeaks organization. The Ecuadorian Ambassador to the United States was expelled shortly after. In September 2011, both countries announced that they would resume Ambassadorial-level relations. Ecuadorian Ambassador to the United States Nathalie Cely arrived in Washington in December 2011; U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador Adam Namm arrived in Quito in May 2012.
Ecuador shares U.S. concern over narco-trafficking and the activities of illegal armed groups. The government has maintained Ecuador virtually free of coca production since the mid-1980s, and is working to combat money laundering and the transshipment of drugs and chemicals essential to the processing of cocaine (with U.S. support). Ecuador also gives priority to combating child labor and trafficking in persons.
U.S. Assistance to Ecuador
U.S. assistance in Ecuador is designed to strengthen democratic participation and the rule of law, improve citizen security, counter illicit trafficking, conserve biodiversity, address climate change, and develop economic alternatives for marginalized Ecuadorians. The United States will work with the Government of Ecuador and broader civil society to advance the long-term objectives of stability, strengthened democratic institutions, including the press, and environmental protection. Working with the Government of Ecuador to increase their capability to counter illicit trafficking and improve citizen security is vital to U.S. national security interests, because these efforts support U.S. security efforts in the region.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States is Ecuador's principal trading partner. Major U.S. exports to Ecuador include machinery, chemicals and fertilizers, computers and electronic equipment, petroleum products, transportation equipment, cereals and grains, and paper. Ecuador benefits from duty-free entry into the United States for many of its products under the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act and under the Generalized System of Preferences. U.S. imports from Ecuador include crude oil, shrimp and prawns, bananas and plantains, cocoa, and cut flowers (roses). The two countries have signed a bilateral investment treaty. U.S. direct investment in Ecuador is led by the manufacturing and wholesale/retail sectors.
Ecuador's Membership in International Organizations
Ecuador and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Ecuador is also a member of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) and of the United Nations of the South (UNASUR).
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador is Adam E. Namm; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Ecuador maintains an embassy in the United States at 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202-234-7200).
More information about Ecuador is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Ecuador Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Ecuador Page
U.S. Embassy: Ecuador
USAID Ecuador Page
History of U.S. Relations With Ecuador
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
