Colombia to raise tariffs on Ecuador to 100%, matching move as dispute escalates
Colombia will raise tariffs on goods from neighboring Ecuador to 100% from 30%, the trade ministry said on Friday, matching a move by Ecuador a day earlier as a simmering trade and diplomatic dispute intensifies.
Ecuador has in recent months increased tariffs on its larger neighbor, citing a trade deficit and accusing Colombia of failing to do enough against drug trafficking along their shared border—allegations Colombia has denied, pointing to joint military operations.
The rift has also widened over comments by Colombian President Gustavo Petro that Ecuador’s former vice president, jailed for corruption, is a political prisoner who should be freed, a characterization Ecuador’s government rejects. Colombian Trade Minister Diana Morales said Ecuador’s latest increase—from 50% to 100%—left Colombia with little choice but to align its policy.
The process to implement Bogotá’s new tariff level would begin immediately, she said. “We have exhausted all diplomatic efforts and kept channels of dialogue open with the government of Ecuador, seeking a solution that benefits both countries, businesses, and above all, the communities on both sides of the border,” Morales said, adding that Colombia had not received a positive response.
Security strains have compounded the standoff. Last month, 14 people were killed in explosions in Colombia as Ecuador conducted a security operation nearby. Ecuador denied violating the border and said it was investigating how its explosives entered Colombian territory.
Economic ties between the neighbors are substantial. Colombia has already halted energy sales to Ecuador, which are critical during droughts when hydroelectric reservoirs run low. Ecuador also imports significant quantities of medicines and pesticides from Colombia.
In 2025, Colombia reported a $1.02 billion trade surplus with Ecuador. Colombia has raised the dispute with the CAN Andean trade bloc. With tariff implementation now moving ahead, prospects for a negotiated solution remain uncertain, according to the trade ministry’s account of recent contacts with Quito.