Manufacturing and mining. Most of Ecuador's manufacturing takes place in the Guayaquil and Quito areas. The nation's manufactured products include cement, drugs, Panama hats, processed foods, and textiles. The importance of mining to the nation's economy has increased greatly since Ecuador began exporting petroleum in the early 1970's. Panama hats made in Ecuador Agriculture.
Agriculture employs more people in Ecuador than does any other economic activity.
Most of the nation's bananas, cacao, coffee, and sugar cane are raised on plantations that are located in the Coastal Lowland. Oranges and rice are also grown in many coastal areas. Exporting bananas in Ecuador Most of the food for the people who live in Ecuador's cities comes from haciendas in the Andes Highland. Crops grown in the Andes Highland include beans, corn, potatoes, and wheat. Farmers raise cattle for meat and for dairy products.