The United States is the best buyer of Ecuadorian crab because more than 97% of this product is sent there, which is a typical dish in our country, but there is another emblematic product for Ecuador and another market that has experienced a boom in exports this 2023: shellfish arriving in Hong Kong.

These two products are part of the fishing sector in which they have a minimal share, considering the amount of traditional fishing products that Ecuador exports to the world, but a year ago crabs and shellfish had a significant growth in their exports, according to figures provided by the Ministry of Export and Investment Promotion.

The crabs go from Naranjal and Balao to the United States, where a pack of 14 sells for between $50 and $75

Foreign sales of crabs were USD 437,000 in 2021, and will grow to USD 1,060,000 by 2022, representing a growth of 142%. From January to May, exports are 299,000 dollars with an increase of 11 percent compared to the same period in 2022. However, in these months it represents a drop of 28 percent in exported tons, which means that the product gained in value, according to the VP based on data from the Central Bank.

The United States represents 97.6% as the main destination for crabs. 1.79% of these exports go to Indonesia, and 0.60% to Hong Kong.

According to the National Customs Service of Ecuador, from January 2018 to December last year, 59 companies and individuals of Ecuadorian origin exported crabs.

The Ecuadorian guinea pig is found in the United States, where it can be found on racks and farms at prices ranging from $23.99 to $60

Until last year, the United States received almost all of Ecuador’s shells, as that destination represented 99% of shipments, according to Central Bank data. Exports in 2022 closed at $410,000 with an increase of 1,583% since they did not even reach $25,000 in 2021.

However, from January to May this year, shipments jumped to $915,000 with an increase of 1,363% compared to the same period in 2022.

According to the vice president of the Ministry of Export and Investment Promotion, the entry of buyers from Hong Kong in 2023 was key to seeing this significant increase.

At prices ranging from 69 cents to more than $30, Ecuadorian products are sold in supermarkets in the United States

According to one compatriot, the shell is highly desired and longed for outside of Ecuador. “Take advantage of those in Ecuador, enjoy dishes made with shellfish and appreciate the sacrifices made by the fishermen. When I return to the village, I will eat everything I can,” he says.

This Ecuadorian woman says the shells can’t be found in supermarkets like shrimp, but her product comes to the United States through an importer who sells them with home delivery for $15 a dozen. The price is reduced if the client cancels, so the cost is $14; and for distributors and entrepreneurs it is 10 USD.

The cost of clams in Ecuador depends on the city and variety, according to the manager of the Union of Artisanal Fishing Cooperatives of the Northwest Esmeraldas, Carlos Roble, who states that 100 clams are sold to the public between $13 and $14, and the president of the Ecuadorian Artisanal Fishing Sector, Gabriela Cruz, agrees with this last price.

Within the fisheries sector, crab represents 0.004% of exports and shellfish 0.002%.