The Embassy of Ecuador in Hungary organised the first trade mission of Ecuadorian exporters to Hungary. A delegation of nine women-led Ecuadorian companies successfully completed a trade mission to Budapest from 8-10 May 2025.
Representing Ecuador’s leading agri-food and floriculture sectors, the group held over 50 business-to-business (B2B) meetings with Hungarian importers and distributors at the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BKIK).
The strategic cooperation and business Forum, hosted at the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BKIK), marked also a milestone in Ecuador–Hungary trade relations. A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between FEDEXPOR and BKIK, paving the way for institutional cooperation.
A Full Agenda – Rich in Opportunities
During three intensive days in Budapest, the delegation engaged directly with Hungary’s wholesale and retail sectors to gain valuable market insights. The visit included contacts with purchasing directors at the Budapest Wholesale Flower Market, METRO Hungary, Auchan, and CBA Prima. They also visited the Paleocentrum functional food distribution centre and toured Yellow Fresh Fruits Kft.’s biggest banana maturation and distribution centre in Hungary.
Midway through the mission, the participants met with the Hungarian Women’s Association – led by Ms. Margit Batthyány-Schmidt – to exchange views on the role of women in leadership positions in international trade and share experiences about Ecuador and Hungary.
Ecuador has made notable progress addressing gender inequality. According to the latest WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report (WEF 2024), Ecuador ranks 16th globally and 2nd in the region, surpassing both the average index of the LA5 countries and the global average index.
The goal of this trade mission was not only to promote Ecuadorian and Hungarian businesses, but also to give visibility to the female leaders in Ecuador’s export sector.
Bilateral Trade Reaches New Heights
Under the EU–Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, Hungarian buyers can now access Ecuadorian goods more competitively, bypassing intermediaries in third European countries. And also Ecuador has now access to the Hungarian exportable offer without import taxes. Trade between Ecuador and Hungary has grown significantly in recent years, providing a strong platform for future expansion.
In 2024, Hungarian imports of Ecuadorian products increased by 116% compared to the previous year, surpassing USD 30 million in value. This surge was largely driven by the popularity of Ecuadorian roses, astromelia, and plantain snacks recognized for their superior standards and appeal among Hungarian consumers.
Positioning Ecuador in Central Europe: A Long-Term Strategy
The trade mission to Hungary reflects Ecuador’s broader vision to strengthen its presence in Central and Eastern Europe – regions with growing demand for sustainable, high-quality products. The mission delivered critical insights into consumer preferences, distribution networks, and pricing strategies, all of which will support future commercial efforts. Ecuador is emerging not only as a competitive supplier of premium products but also as a long-term strategic partner in the region.
By the Embassy of Ecuador in Hungary
