Interview with
Ms. Violeta Pesantes Caputi
General Manager
First of all Violeta, why did you choose a career in freight forwarding and logistics? Tell our readers your story.
I chose this career because I’ve always enjoyed doing business with other countries and meeting many people.
My first job in business international was for an important container depot called MULTIMODAL near the Guayaquil port.
Then, I worked for the shipping agency MARGLOBAL. They represented CCNI LINES in Ecuador. Actually, Marglobal is the representative agency for Wan Hai and Zim in Ecuador.
Also I have worked for Delpac Group. They represented Likes Lines (I was the sales representative in Ecuador.) and TMM Lines. Delpac also was the representative agency for COSCO LINES in Ecuador for many years. Now COSCO LINES has its own offices in Ecuador.
Then, I worked for some freight forwarders in the sales department.
I owned a freight forwarding agency from 2013 to 2020. It was called Air & Sea Cargo.
When the COVID-19 Pandemic invaded the whole world, we had to close the company.
When did you establish ASC Ecuador and what can you tell us about your business in logistics? Do you focus on all kinds of freight forwarding or do you specialise?
ASC ECUADOR was created on June 10, 2021.
We coordinate all kinds of freight forwarding, Air, Sea (LCL and FCL), and Land, we also receive household goods.
Ecuador is an important country in South America. Many readers may not know much about your country. Can you tell our readers about the main ports for import/export in Ecuador and can you tell us more about the economy currently in your country including which countries mainly you trade with overseas?
Ecuador, located at the center of the world, is a dollarized and megadiverse economy, renowned globally for its exports of oil, bananas, shrimp, cocoa, and flowers. Its main port is Guayaquil. We handle cargo destined for the United States, China, and the European Union. The economy is based on natural resources and focuses on international trade.
Main Import/Export Ports:
Guayaquil Port (Contecon/TPG): The most important port, handling the majority of the country’s containerized cargo.
Bolívar Port (Machala): Key for banana exports.
Manta Port: Specializes in bulk cargo and fishing.
Esmeraldas Port: An important multipurpose port in the north.
Posorja (DP World) specializes primarily in handling containerized cargo. Its high-tech cranes manage exports such as agricultural products (bananas), seafood, and timber to international markets.
Current Economy and Trading Partners:
Currency: Ecuador uses the US dollar, which provides exchange rate stability.
Main Exports: Bananas (world’s leading exporter), shrimp, oil, cocoa, and flowers.
Main Imports: Vehicles, machinery, cell phones, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials.
Key Trading Partners: China and the United States are its largest trading partners, accounting for a significant portion of its trade, followed by the European Union.
Agreements: Ecuador is a member of the Pacific Alliance and seeks to expand its trade into Asian markets.
Ecuador positions itself as a supplier of high-quality food and energy resources, with an open economy driven by its strategic location and biodiversity.
Is it difficult to do customs clearance in Ecuador? Do you have any good advice to our readers if they have deliveries to make to Ecuador?
Customs clearing in Ecuador isn’t difficult; it takes about:
- Automatic customs clearance 24 hours.
- Documental customs clearance 48 hours.
Physical inspection of goods, after the inspection: It takes around 72 to 96 hours for the customs clearance closing.
Ecuadorian customs is conducting numerous inspections of goods to control contraband.
My recommendation will always be to work with responsible customs agents who have a good profile. I offer this service very efficiently.
I also recommend to my customers that they should always request costs before shipping. If the supplier sends their goods without a prior quote, here in Ecuador, the local costs, customs clearance and transportation are extremely expensive.
Are there any shipping lines that you would recommend more than others to use when having deliveries to/from Ecuador?
All carriers have good service in Ecuador, but I like working with COSCO, ZIM, WANHAI and SEABORD.
Are you currently a member of any networks?
For now, I’m just a member of CLC Projects.
How do you view the year of 2026 businesswise?
Businesswise in Ecuador, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of structural challenges with moderate growth, marked by the need for competitiveness, resilience in the face of insecurity, and digital transformation. Although favorable performance is projected for exports (shrimp, bananas, cocoa) and the mining industry, pressures persist due to the high fiscal deficit and pre-election political uncertainty.
I think this will be a good year to work.
How is it best for our readers to get in touch with you?
Violeta Pesantes Caputi
General Manager
ASC ECUADOR
Mob: (593) 96 879 3732
Email: gerencia@ascecuador.com
Website: www.ascecuador.com