The Colombian government has approved a list of products imported from Ecuador that will face a 30% tariff in response to similar measures by that country. The decision aims to restore trade balance within the Andean Community framework. Commerce Minister Diana Marcela Morales Rojas justified the action as a defense of national security.
The Committee on Customs, Tariff, and Trade Affairs (Triple A), under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, ratified the tariff items affected by the temporary measures. These cover 23 categories, divided into 73 subcategories, mainly fisheries and agricultural products such as fish preparations, palm oil, and rice, along with chemicals, plastics, and metal manufactures.
From January 2023 to October 2025, imports of these goods from Ecuador totaled 683,825.8 tons. Minister Morales Rojas stressed that Ecuador breached Andean commitments by imposing a 30% tariff on Colombian imports starting February 1, 2026, citing a lack of reciprocity in combating organized crime. "This measure is adopted as an instrument in defense of national security," the official stated, noting the impact on Colombia's economy.
The draft decree considers additional restrictions, such as limiting land entry of fresh agricultural products, especially rice, and banning inputs for fentanyl production, pending review by DIAN, the Ministry of Finance, and Agriculture. Colombia maintains that these steps do not aim to heighten tensions and keeps diplomatic channels open for dialogue to achieve fair and predictable trade conditions.
