Ecuador Raises Tariffs on Colombian Imports to 100 Percent Over Border Security

Ecuador raised tariffs on Colombian imports to 100 percent, effective May 1.

The move came after Ecuador had already increased tariffs from 30 percent to 50 percent earlier in the year.

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The Ecuadorian Ministry of Production justified the hike as a necessary incentive to confront drug trafficking on the border.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the tariff hike simply a monstrosity.

Ecuador recalled its ambassador over Petro's comments about jailed former Ecuadoran vice president Jorge Glas.

The tariff escalation is part of a broader trade war that began in January.

The two countries were due to hold talks but these were cancelled amid the diplomatic dispute over Jorge Glas.

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Ecuador had faced a trade deficit exceeding $1 billion annually with Colombia.

The tariff hike threatens economic shocks on both sides of the border.

The move comes within the final months of Petro’s presidency.

Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio warned that breaking with the Andean Community would jeopardize decades of integration.

Petro called on Colombia to shift its focus towards Mercosur.

The escalating tensions come amid a regional context where Noboa has echoed Trump’s stance on several foreign policy issues.

The trade war and diplomatic fallout raise questions about the future of regional cooperation.