Exportación de flores ecuatorianas hacia el mercado de Estados Unidos como motor de desarrollo económico

Abstract

This research analyzes the export of Ecuadorian flowers to the United States as a strategic activity for the economic development of Ecuador, given its contribution to foreign exchange earnings and non-oil employment. The relevance of this study stems from international competition and consumer demands, which compel the floriculture sector to strengthen its competitiveness through quality, durability, sustainability, and product differentiation. Within this context, the main objective is to evaluate this industry´s contribution to national growth, analyzing fluctuations in the U.S. market, its impact on the trade balance, employment, and its weight in the Gross Domestic Product, to propose competitive strategies. The research adopts a qualitative approach with a descriptive-explanatory scope, employing the analytical-synthetic method. Data were collected through a systematic review of technical literature and official sources, alongside semi-structured interviews with experts in flower exports to the United States. The findings reveal that, during 2024, the sector experienced a progressive increase in both value and volume, ranking as the fifth most exported non-oil product and reaffirming its role in labor market dynamics. It is concluded that Ecuadorian floriculture is a strategic pillar of non-oil exports. However, its future viability is contingent upon product differentiation, logistical optimization, and strategic alignment with final consumer preferences.