From May 3 to 18, 2026, a curfew is in effect in Ecuador from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM. This measure, introduced to enhance security, has a direct impact on the operational processes of the flower industry, where a significant portion of logistics traditionally takes place during nighttime hours.
According to information from Expoflores, the Association of Flower Producers and Exporters of Ecuador, and transport agencies, no special permits allowing full-scale operations during the curfew have been issued to date. This means that the entire supply chain - from farms to the airport - is forced to reorganize its processes within strict time constraints. In this situation, synchronized adaptation is required from all market participants.
Restrictive measures have led to a temporary adjustment in our operating model. All logistics processes have been shifted to daytime hours. Nighttime operations have been eliminated, which has significantly reduced the available operating window. Flowers must now be delivered to transport agencies 24–48 hours before the flight. The acceptance of flower shipments is limited to the time window from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Ecuadorian time. The goal of these measures is to align with current flight schedules and maintain the stability of our customers’ logistics.
This forced restructuring of logistics inevitably creates additional pressure on the entire supply chain:
- reduced flexibility in handling urgent and late orders
- increased planning requirements at all stages
- higher risks of delays or late delivery of shipments to flights
Under current conditions, timely planning is a key factor. To minimize the risk of disruptions and maintain access to the necessary purchase volumes, we recommend placing orders in advance, preferably 1–2 days earlier than usual. This will allow you to coordinate purchases with farms in advance and increase the likelihood of meeting the required flight schedules.
If you use our trading platform to place orders, we recommend:
- Start your purchase early in the morning. The optimal time is exactly 7:00 a.m. Ecuador time. Many farms are currently closing sales as early as 9:30 a.m.
- Avoid purchasing late in the day. Purchase after 9:30 a.m. Ecuadorian time significantly reduces product availability and the likelihood of order confirmation. Under the current model, most farms have already concluded their commercial operations and are shifting to logistics. A delay of even a few hours can result in delivery being postponed until the following day
- Не відкладати закупівлю на останній день. Do not wait until the last day to buy. Given the tight operational window, “last-minute” purchases become highly risky. Placing orders late directly increases the likelihood that the products will not be picked and delivered to the agency on time.
Expoflores, the Association of Flower Producers and Exporters of Ecuador, and representatives of transport agencies are continuing their dialogue with government authorities regarding the possible establishment of special logistics corridors. However, at this time, all market participants are operating within the established curfew restrictions.
Daoflowers continues to monitor the situation and adapt its processes, ensuring the greatest possible stability of supplies for its customers.