The Ecuadorian pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit, has seen a significant increase in exports, with sales reaching USD 171.7 million last year, marking a 72% rise from the previous year. The United States remains the primary market, accounting for 80% of the exports. However, a trade agreement with China is set to eliminate a 20% tariff, potentially expanding the market for Ecuadorian producers. Since the opening of markets in the United States (2017), Peru (late 2022), and China (April 2023), exports have steadily grown.
Despite this success, the expansion of pitahaya cultivation, particularly in Palora, Morona Santiago, has raised environmental concerns due to deforestation. "In recent years, we have seen how pitahaya crops in the canton have expanded, reducing the spaces occupied by forests," reported the Ecociencia foundation and the MAAP project in 2023.
Source: ecuadortimes.net