Trade War Intensifies Between Ecuador and Colombia Over Border Security

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has increased tariffs on Colombian imports to 50%, calling Colombia his country's worst trading partner. The dispute centers on Ecuador's claims that Colombia isn't doing enough to stop cocaine trafficking across their shared border.

QUITO, Ecuador — A heated trade dispute between two South American nations reached new heights Friday when Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa defended his decision to impose a 50% tariff increase on Colombian goods, denouncing Colombia as his nation’s most problematic trading partner.

Speaking during a radio interview, Noboa justified the tariff hikes amid growing tensions over trade relations and border security between the neighboring countries.

“Our worst trading partner in the world, in percentage terms, is Colombia,” Noboa stated, highlighting that Ecuador faces a $1.1 billion trade deficit with Colombia.

The dispute began in January when Noboa, a conservative leader seeking stronger relationships with the Trump administration, first implemented a 30% tariff on Colombian products. He cited frustrations with Bogota’s alleged failure to adequately address cocaine smuggling along their mutual border.

Colombia responded by establishing its own 30% tariffs on numerous Ecuadorian products, including rice and automotive components, while also threatening to halt electricity sales to Ecuador.

This week, Noboa escalated the conflict further, announcing Thursday that tariffs would jump from 30% to 50%, effective March 1. He maintained his position that Colombia has not taken sufficient steps to secure their shared border.

Colombian authorities have consistently rejected these claims, pointing to unprecedented cocaine seizure numbers under President Gustavo Petro’s government. Despite these efforts, drug production continues reaching record levels due to improved laboratory operations and expanded cultivation areas.

Business communities in both nations have condemned the escalating dispute, cautioning that these measures will damage economic conditions across the region.

The Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters issued a warning Thursday evening, stating: “At least 40,000 Ecuadorian jobs are at risk because of this situation.” The organization emphasized that Colombia represents Ecuador’s fifth-largest market for non-petroleum exports, generating approximately $65 million monthly, and called for “an urgent dialogue at the highest level” between both governments.

However, Noboa has shown no signs of pursuing diplomatic talks to resolve the crisis.

“We have spoken with Colombia for the last two years, and they have never fulfilled their commitments,” he declared Friday.

Colombian Trade Minister Diana Marcela Morales announced Friday on Blu Radio that her government is considering raising tariffs to 50% on 73 Ecuadorian products currently facing 30% rates.