Análisis de los factores operativos y logísticos que inciden en los sobrecostos de exportación de camarón en el período 2025-2026.

Abstract

This study analyzes the operational and logistical factors that generate cost overruns in Ecuador’s shrimp export process, considering the effect that these additional costs may have on the efficiency and competitiveness of the export sector. The research focused on reviewing the theoretical foundations related to international logistics, risk management, and logistics costs, as well as identifying and classifying the main factors affecting export operations and proposing guidelines to help reduce their impact. A qualitative, non-experimental, and descriptive approach was used. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews with representatives from the Production, Purchasing, and Export departments of three companies in the shrimp sector. This information was complemented by the perspective of the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA). The main factors identified were inventory accumulation, limited availability of refrigerated containers, cargo security and custody costs, standby time, port congestion, anti-narcotics inspections, power supply interruptions, and changes in freight rates and shipping routes. These factors were classified according to their frequency and the evidence of their impact on export operations. The comparison of the interview findings with the theoretical framework showed that cost overruns are not caused by a single factor, but rather by the combination of operational, logistical, and external conditions. Based on these findings, six operational and logistical guidelines were proposed to improve planning, prevention, coordination, monitoring, and control of cost overruns in the shrimp export process.