Analysis of ecuadorian cocoa bean exports during the period 2008 to 2018

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze cocoa bean exports from Ecuador from 2008 to 2018, as well as its importance in the national economy. In recent years, cocoa exports have become a source of foreign currency income, generating employment, contributing to the trade balance and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The scope of the research is descriptive, non-experimental documentary type with the use of secondary sources and the collection of historical statistical data of Ecuador. The results obtained are that the changes experienced by the economy of Ecuador in the last 10 years have significantly affected exports due to the fall mainly of commodities worldwide, which implies adapting to these transformations. Under this scenario, it is concluded that the export of cocoa beans has had variations in export levels, which decrease because other countries compete in the world market with the same product at lower prices. Ecuadorian cocoa stands out for the quality of the bean, for its aroma and flavor which is an important factor to remain in the international market, which has allowed it to have a comparative advantage over other competitors, obtaining exports in 2018 of 315 tons which meant an income in FOB 710 million dollars.