Manabi
Continental shelf geography made Manta the tuna capital (60% of Ecuador's $1.2B exports), but 2024 price volatility and energy costs exposed industrial fishing dependence. By 2026, port expansion and sustainability certifications determine competitive position.
Geography made Manabí the Pacific's tuna capital—the continental shelf drops steeply offshore, concentrating pelagic fish within range of day boats from Manta. Pre-Columbian cultures built Ecuador's first export economy here, trading Spondylus shells as far as Peru. This maritime orientation proved durable: when industrial tuna processing arrived in the 1950s, Manabí already had fishing communities, boat-building traditions, and port infrastructure ready to scale.
Today Manta processes 60% of Ecuador's $1.2B tuna exports. Bumble Bee, Van Camps, and national champion Marbelize operate massive canning facilities. The province contributes 8% to national GDP—extraordinary for a non-oil region. But 2024 exposed fragility: yellowfin prices crashed to $1,400/ton mid-year as global demand fluctuated, while fuel costs for fishing vessels surged during Ecuador's energy crisis.
What protects Manabí from pure commodity dependency is agricultural diversification. The province won international awards for chocolate and coffee production; cacao plantations occupy the humid interior while fair-trade cane fishermen work sustainable methods offshore. The 2024 China FTA promises new markets, but also threatens artisanal producers with industrial competition.
2026 trajectory: Manta port expansion competes with Guayaquil for Pacific gateway status. Sustainable fishing certifications become key market differentiator as EU regulations tighten. Province bets on dual identity: industrial tuna powerhouse and artisanal quality brand.