A multi-layer ceramic electronic component includes: a ceramic body including a main surface facing in a first direction, an end surface facing in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a side surface facing in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and internal electrodes laminated in the first direction; and an external electrode formed on a surface of the ceramic body, the external electrode including a base film including an end-surface-covering portion that covers the end surface, and a main-surface-covering portion that covers part of the main surface continuously from the end-surface-covering portion, an electrically conductive thin film including a base-covering portion that covers the main-surface-covering portion, and a ceramic-body-covering portion that extends from the base-covering portion in the second direction and covers part of the main surface, and a plating film that covers the electrically conductive thin film and the base film.