Shrimp Exports: Ecuador kept its shrimp momentum strong, with Q2 2026 exports nearing 450,000 metric tons (+14% vs. Q2 2025) and July jumping 49%—a potential early sign of El Niño boosting growth conditions. US-Ecuador Security & Trade: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Ecuador (Sept. 8-10) alongside Colombia and Peru to deepen cooperation on narcoterrorism and commercial ties, in the wider push to tighten regional partnerships. Transport Regulation in Ecuador: Ecuador’s National Assembly approved major traffic-law changes affecting motorcycle delivery services, photoradars, public transport, and electric scooters/motorcycles—creating a national registry for delivery drivers and shifting some authority toward the national level. Digital Infrastructure: Telconet opened Telconet Cloud Center III in Guayaquil, expanding Ecuador’s data-centre capacity and signaling more investment ahead for Quito. AI Fintech Growth: Argentine startup UIN raised US$2m to help banks and fintechs use AI-driven “missions” and incentives to turn transactions into recurring customer habits, already operating across Ecuador and the region. Press Freedom: A new report highlights growing pressure on Ecuador journalists, with one prominent case tied to investigations into medicine shortages in public hospitals.