Ecuador doubles ‘security tax’ on Colombian imports to 100%, escalating trade rift

Ecuador will double its so‑called security tax on imports from Colombia to 100% starting May 1, the government of President Daniel Noboa announced, deepening a tense trade and diplomatic standoff with Bogotá.

In a statement, Ecuador’s Ministry of Production said the decision is grounded in national security considerations, taken “after observing the lack of implementation of concrete and effective measures regarding border security by Colombia.” Quito framed the increase as a push for shared responsibility in countering drug trafficking.

“Unfortunately, it is impossible to reach agreements with those who do not share the same commitment to fighting narco-terrorism,” Noboa wrote on social media, adding, “Since we took this measure, violent deaths on the northern border have fallen by 33%.

In the future, we will be able to engage in dialogue with a government that is truly committed to combating crime and drug trafficking.” Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacted online, calling the step “outrageous” and arguing it “marks the end of the Andean Pact for Colombia.” He said his foreign minister should begin moves toward full membership in Mercosur and refocus trade ties toward the Caribbean and Central America.

Petro also rejected Quito’s framing of Colombia’s anti-narcotics efforts, saying “The Ecuadorian government is distorting reality on orders from forces outside its sovereignty.” The latest increase follows a series of measures that have steadily raised trade barriers this year.

In January, Noboa’s administration imposed a 30% security tax on Colombian goods, citing alleged inaction by Bogotá against organized crime along the border. A month later, Ecuador raised the levy to 50% and added an extra charge for transporting crude oil through the SOTE pipeline.

The Andean Community of Nations attempted to mediate, but the only meeting held so far ended without an agreement. The escalation also coincides with a fresh diplomatic dispute.

A day before the new tariff move, Ecuador sent a protest note to Bogotá and recalled its ambassador for consultations after Petro again referred to former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas as a “political prisoner.” Quito described the remark as unacceptable interference in domestic affairs.

Noboa responded on X: “From the outside, they want to sell the story of ‘political prisoners’ to cover up the obvious: there is a corrupt individual in jail who must answer to Ecuador,” calling Petro’s comments an attack on Ecuador’s sovereignty.

Glas, a former ally of Rafael Correa who also served under Lenín Moreno and oversaw the oil sector during a period of rapid growth, became a central figure in corruption probes that his opponents considered persecution. On December 17, 2024, he sought shelter in the Mexican Embassy in Quito but was forcibly removed in a raid that drew condemnation across the Americas.

Ecuador’s latest protest note urged that references to the Glas case be set aside and that talks focus solely on security, which Quito maintains is key to resolving the trade tensions. With the 100% levy set to take effect on May 1, relations between the neighbors are poised for further strain, even as regional bodies struggle to broker a path back to dialogue.