Overview
- Ecuador said it will apply a 30% “security” tariff on Colombian imports starting Feb. 1, citing border crime and a trade deficit above $800 million to $1 billion.
- Colombia countered with a 30% duty on roughly 20 Ecuadorian products—saying it could widen the list—and suspended electricity exports indefinitely.
- Bogotá rejected claims of non-cooperation, pointing to recent joint actions including the seizure of about 2.24 tonnes of marijuana, and framed its steps as transitory and revisable.
- Ecuador signaled reciprocal moves beyond trade by announcing higher transport charges for Colombian crude shipped through its OCP pipeline.
- Business groups warned of disruption to sectors including electricity, medicines, vehicles, plastics and food, and officials referenced using diplomatic channels to seek a resolution.