⚡ Energy Independence

Seven Latin American countries are net exporters of energy.

Welcome to Latinometrics. We bring you Latin American insights and trends through concise, thought-provoking data visualizations.

President Daniel Noboa's 2025 has been better than his 2024.

A recent article from economist Juan Lorenzo Maldonado outlines how, fresh off the heels of his April reelection, Ecuador's youngest-ever elected president is gearing up for a year of stronger national economic growth despite an ongoing security crisis and a looming fiscal deficit.

Noboa is tackling multiple problems at once, turning to the International Monetary Fund for loans to tackle his liquidity problem, US President Donald Trump for security assistance, and China and Spain for roughly $1B in energy financing.

The last of these comes at an opportune moment, given that Ecuador's economy contracted by about two percent last year due to rolling blackouts and electricity rationing. A drought caused water sources to dwindle, meaning Ecuador's famous hydroelectric dams were unable to power the country as expected.

Energy independence: Latin America's net exporters

Noboa is clearly interested in avoiding a repeat disaster. So far, he's been lucky, as this year has proven far rainier than last. But fortunately, his country, aided in large part by oil production, is one of Latin America's net energy exporters.

Ecuador serves as a helpful reminder of the importance of so-called energy independence.

Unlock Unique Insights with Latinometrics Premium.

Become a paid subscriber of Latinometrics to get access to this data story and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

A subscription gets you:

  • • 📈 Unlimited early access to all of our charts
  • • ☀️ Full access to our Domingo Brief — a must-read for decision-makers.

Reply

or to participate.