Importers are opening import permit requests for U.S. beef and offal shipments. U.S.-origin tenderloin,sirloin, and rib-eye cuts evidence the best prospects for the Ecuadorian market; there is also goodpotential for U.S. hamburger patties. Ecuador also represents a good export destination for U.S.-originoffal (i.e., stomachs, tripe, hearts and livers). At current consumption levels, Ecuador is a $1.7 billionanimal protein market (includes beef, pork, and poultry).
