China-Ecuador Deals: President Daniel Noboa wrapped up a China visit signing agreements spanning healthcare, education, trade, the digital economy, green development and new energy, with the big bet on digital transformation for agriculture, industry and rural services and on exports like shrimp, roses and tropical fruits. Sanctions & Maritime Security: The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on an Ecuador-based cocaine network using commercial fishing vessels from the Manta area, blocking 15 people/entities and 10 vessels tied to Los Choneros and Los Lobos, while separate reporting alleges CIA-linked attacks on Ecuadorian fishing boats—raising fresh scrutiny of U.S.-Ecuador operations. Security & Organized Crime: A new wave of cartel violence is pushing into Amazon legal mines, with armed groups extracting and extorting through gold supply chains that are increasingly lucrative for criminal networks. Ecuador-China Trade Logistics: DP World’s Port of Posorja won an AAPA excellence award and a new direct Asia shipping service aims to improve Ecuador’s trade connectivity. Climate Risk for Business: El Niño is forecast to be the strongest on record, with 2027 potentially the hottest year ever—an outlook that could disrupt supply chains and raise costs across sectors. Regional Growth Outlook: ECLAC projects Ecuador and other regional economies to grow in 2026-27, but warns the international environment is getting tougher.