As a new U.S. administration reviews trade priorities in Latin America, executives at one of Ecuador’s largest seafood exporters remain blocked from traveling to the United States—with no formal charges, no explanation, and no clear process for appeal.
The visa revocations, enacted during President Joe Biden's term, have disrupted expansion plans for Negocios Industriales Real S.A. (NIRSA), a vertically integrated seafood company based in Guayaquil. NIRSA supplies canned tuna, shrimp, and other products to major U.S. grocery chains.
“We are very keen to enter the U.S. market and build our business there—but how can we?” Roberto Aguirre, president of the board of directors of NIRSA, told Federal Newswire. “I cannot even travel to the U.S., and I was never told by the Biden administration why.”
”It has mystified us,” Aguirre said.
According to people familiar with the situation, multiple NIRSA executives lost visa access between 2021 and 2022 following a decision by U.S. immigration authorities. No public accusations of wrongdoing have been made against the company or its leadership.
The travel restrictions have limited in-person meetings with buyers and retail partners and has forced the company to pause development of a planned commercial office in the United States.
Founded in 1957, NIRSA is a key player in the Ecuadorian economy, employing more than 8,000 people and operating one of the most advanced seafood processing facilities in Latin America. The company supplies private-label and branded products to markets across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its operations include its own port and fleet of tuna and sardine vessels.
NIRSA has been recognized for its environmental practices by groups including the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation and the Tunacons Foundation. Its fleet uses non-entangling nets, onboard waste management systems, and biodegradable materials developed in partnership with marine scientists.
While Ecuador has worked to strengthen trade relations with the United States, the unresolved visa issue has created diplomatic friction.
The U.S. Department of State has not issued a public statement regarding the revocations or a review process, and Biden left office without resolving the matter.
As new trade discussions emerge across the Western Hemisphere, the question remains whether visa access—a basic tool of commercial diplomacy—will be used strategically or punitively.
“Solving this is key to ensuring we can expand our commercial efforts abroad,” said Aguirre. “If we could travel to and invest in the U.S., I know we would do it in a heartbeat. Instead, we’ve had to look elsewhere.”
“Essentially, the U.S. government has prevented us from investing millions in its market without explanation,” he said.
For now, NIRSA continues exporting to the U.S. and other global markets but remains unable to directly meet with key partners or participate in North American industry events—a limitation that company officials say is holding back growth.
