diff --git a/src/libstore/build.cc b/src/libstore/build.cc
index c1cbf362a0..b37193b858 100644
--- a/src/libstore/build.cc
+++ b/src/libstore/build.cc
@@ -2639,7 +2639,7 @@ void SubstitutionGoal::referencesValid()
 
     if (nrFailed > 0) {
         debug(format("some references of path `%1%' could not be realised") % storePath);
-        amDone(ecFailed);
+        amDone(nrNoSubstituters > 0 ? ecNoSubstituters : ecFailed);
         return;
     }