Ecuador to hit Colombia with 100% tariffs as dispute intensifies

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QUITO: Trade relations between Ecuador and Colombia have reached a critical breaking point following Quito’s announcement that it will impose 100% tariffs on all Colombian imports starting May 1. President Daniel Noboa’s administration justified the drastic measure by citing Colombia’s failure to secure their shared border against drug trafficking and illegal mining.

The diplomatic fallout escalated rapidly after Colombian President Gustavo Petro referred to jailed former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas as a ‘political prisoner.’ In response, both nations have recalled their respective ambassadors. President Petro described the new tariffs as a "monstrosity" and warned that the dispute could signal the end of the Andean Community trade bloc for Colombia.

This trade war follows a series of retaliatory actions, including Colombia halting electricity sales to drought-stricken Ecuador. The 100% tariff is expected to severely disrupt the regional supply of medicines, vehicles, and agricultural products.