Ecuador increases tariffs on Colombian goods to 100 percent

Ecuador Imposes 100% Tariffs on Colombian Exports

Ecuador has increased its tariffs on Colombian exports to 100 percent, effective May 1. The move was announced by Ecuador’s Ministry of Production in a statement that criticized Colombia for failing to implement effective measures against drug trafficking and border security.

The tariff hike is part of an ongoing dispute between the governments of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and his left-wing counterpart in Colombia, Gustavo Petro. The two leaders have been at odds for months over issues including border security and trade policies.

According to the Ministry of Production, the tariffs are necessary to address the presence of drug trafficking on the border. “For Ecuador, security is a non-negotiable priority,” the ministry stated. “This measure reaffirms the country’s commitment to protecting its citizens and safeguarding the integrity of its territory.”

Colombia responded to the move by calling for an end to the Andean Pact, a regional free-trade agreement that has been in place since the 1960s. Petro urged Colombia to shift its focus towards Mercosur, a trade alliance led by Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.

The escalation of tensions between Ecuador and Colombia comes as Petro’s presidency nears its end. Petro was elected in 2022 and has faced opposition from right-wing movements both domestically and abroad. The dispute highlights the challenges facing Petro’s government, which has been criticized for not doing enough to tackle the illicit drug trade despite historic seizures during his term.

In recent months, Petro’s government has seized several large shipments of cocaine, including a $388 million shipment in November. However, the president has also championed a policy called “Total Peace,” which involves negotiations with rebel groups and criminal networks to end Colombia’s internal conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera