Ecuador Launches New Trade Route to China via Peru's Chancay Port, Shortening Travel Time to 27 Days

Ecuador inaugurated a new trade route with China on Friday, February 21, 2025, connecting Guayaquil to Shanghai via Peru's Chancay port. The 27-day route, operated by Cosco Shipping, aims to boost exports under the trade agreement between the two countries, which took effect last year.

Cosco Shipping, the operator of Chancay port, anticipates that the inclusion of Ecuador will mark a significant step in building its route network in Latin America. The port of Guayaquil will be part of the WSA5 route for the next three years, reaching Chancay from the north of the continent via the Colombian port of Buenaventura, enhancing regional connectivity and economic development.

Previously, goods from Ecuador to China took 35 to 55 days to arrive by ship, requiring stops at other northern regional ports. China, which led the construction of Chancay port with a $1.4 billion investment in its first phase, became Ecuador's main non-oil trade partner in 2022.