Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% security tariff on imports from Colombia, effective February 1, 2026, citing a lack of cooperation in border control against narcotrafficking and illegal mining. The measure has drawn immediate backlash from Colombian business groups and the government, who view it as a breach of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) agreements. It is expected to significantly impact bilateral trade, worth billions of dollars annually.
Ecuador imposes 30% tariff on Colombian imports
On January 21, 2026, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% security tariff on all imports from Colombia, set to take effect on February 1. Noboa justified the decision due to Colombia's "lack of reciprocity and firm actions" in combating narcotrafficking and illegal mining along the northern border, despite Ecuador's annual trade deficit exceeding US$1 billion. "While we have insisted on dialogue, our military continues to face criminal groups tied to narcotrafficking on the border without any cooperation," Noboa stated on social media. This follows prior restrictions, including limited border transit since December 24, 2025, with only two crossings open to Colombia and Peru.
In Colombia, reactions were swift and unanimous in opposition. Bruce Mac Master, president of the National Association of Colombian Entrepreneurs (Andi), called the measure a "complete nonsense," arguing that trade restrictions cannot pressure diplomatic issues like security or narcotrafficking. "There are diplomatic channels and between states to resolve it," Mac Master said, noting Ecuador as Colombia's seventh trade partner, with 2024 exports of US$1.921 million mainly in mining, basic chemicals, machinery, and equipment, yielding a US$1.444 million surplus.
The plastics industry group Acoplásticos also condemned the decision, stating it violates CAN agreements requiring procedures for disputes. President Daniel Mitchell stressed the bilateral trade is complementary and benefits both economies, with plastic exports to Ecuador totaling US$150 million annually (9% of total), including materials like PVC and polypropylene that Ecuador does not produce. The tariff would raise production costs in Ecuador without commercial rationale.
Mines and Energy Minister Edwin Palma described it as an "economic aggression that breaks the principle of regional integration." Colombia supplies 8% to 10% of Ecuador's consumed energy, exporting about 8 GWh daily out of a 92-100 GWh demand, even after a December 2025 attack on electrical infrastructure. Palma announced dismantling a recent resolution for private energy sales, urging dialogue over unilateral measures.
From January to November 2025, Colombian exports to Ecuador reached US$1.673 million, down 3.2% from 2024. Ecuador ranks as the sixth overall buyer and second in non-mining-energy exports, with key products including electricity, human-use medicines, and sugars. Colombian leaders call for reconsideration and strengthened cooperation against crime without harming trade established since 1969 under the CAN.
