APHIS Opens Ecuador Market for U.S. Rice

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APHISPress@usda.gov

On October 5, Ecuador opened its domestic market for U.S.-origin rough rice, allowing for a potential $155 million annual market for American rice producers. This decision followed consultations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and industry officials.

Ecuador’s national plant protection organization, Agencia Ecuatoriana de Aseguramiento de la Calidad del Agro (AGROCALIDAD), established interim entry requirements that are effective for U.S.-origin rough rice (Oryza sativa L.). These interim requirements followed a successful site visit by AGROCALIDAD to U.S. rice production regions and a site visit closeout conference that included APHIS and AGROCALIDAD. The U.S. Rice Producers Association sponsored the visit with APHIS’ involvement.

APHIS has notified U.S. industry and updated requirements in the Phytosanitary Export Database system on October 24 to allow shipments to initiate under the interim conditions that Ecuador set; importers have already arranged purchases under these terms. A pest risk assessment is pending by AGROCALIDAD, after which they will make a final decision on requirements.

This project, which was initiated in July 2023, led to a fast-track interim access with AGROCALIDAD’s support—a trade win for both countries.


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APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.