Ecuador's Tango Mandarins Make Their US Debut After Five-Year Negotiation

After a five-year negotiation process, Ecuador has successfully shipped its first container of Tango mandarins to the United States (US), a landmark achievement for the nation's agricultural sector. This inaugural shipment of 23,000 kilograms (kg), which arrived in California in mid-Jul-25, marks a significant step in diversifying Ecuador's export portfolio and establishing its presence in the competitive North American citrus market. The successful negotiation between Ecuador's agricultural authorities and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) underscores the country's commitment to meeting stringent international phytosanitary standards.

A seedless, sweet, and easy-to-peel variety, the Tango mandarin is highly sought after by US consumers. This market entry is particularly opportune, as the depletion of the US's own citrus crop over the past few years has heightened the country's reliance on imports to meet local demand. Grown in the Pimampiro region, these mandarins are cultivated under strict quality controls, including a 15-day cold treatment to mitigate pest risks, ensuring the fruit's premium quality upon arrival. This focus on quality, combined with a strategic harvesting season from July to August, a window with limited global supply, positions Ecuador as a key supplier to the US market. This strategic advantage is expected to drive demand and secure a stable market for Ecuadorian producers.

The initial 32-hectare project is projected to expand, with an estimated annual export of 30 to 32 containers within the next three years. This expansion will not only boost Ecuador's foreign exchange earnings but also create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of small and medium-sized farmers in the region. While 2019 figures show a modest export of 2,713 metric tons (mt) of mandarins, this new market access is poised to increase these numbers significantly. With wholesale prices for mandarins in Ecuador ranging from USD 0.83 to USD 2.13/kg, the potential for increased revenue is significant.

According to Tridge Eye price data, Ecuadorian mandarin farm gate prices saw a consistent downward trend from early Jun-25 through late Jul-25, before stabilizing recently. The season started at its peak, with an average price of USD 0.40/kg in W23. Prices gradually softened over the next two months, decreasing to USD 0.33/kg by mid-July (W29). By the end of Jul-25 (W30), the average price settled at USD 0.30/kg. This price point remained steady and consistent throughout Aug-25, with both the upper and lower price bounds converging at USD 0.30/kg, indicating minimal market volatility during that period.

Figure 1. Farmgate price trend for Fresh Mandarin in Ecuador

Source: Tridge Eye

Looking ahead, the successful entry into the US market serves as a stepping stone for Ecuador's ambitions to become a notable player in the global mandarin market due to its seasonality and specific positioning in the US market. The industry is already exploring opportunities in the European Union (EU) and the Middle East, signaling a long-term vision for growth and market diversification. The success of the Tango mandarin export program will largely depend on maintaining high-quality standards, ensuring consistent supply, and navigating the complexities of international trade. Nevertheless, this first shipment represents a promising new chapter for Ecuador's agricultural sector, demonstrating its capacity to compete on the world stage.