The Andean Community of Nations has ordered Colombia and Ecuador to eliminate tariffs imposed amid a bilateral trade dispute. The bloc gave the countries 10 days to comply with resolutions issued by its General Secretariat.
The order is based on resolutions 2581, 2582 and 2583, which found that the tariffs violate the Cartagena Agreement signed in 1969. According to the bloc, the restrictions harm free trade and the Trade Liberalization Program in force among member countries.
Secretary General Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel noted that in 2024 Colombia exported 3.197 billion dollars to the region, while Ecuador recorded 2.033 billion dollars. The measures have caused losses exceeding 340 million dollars and a drop of more than 70% in bilateral trade.
Gutiérrez Reinel warned of rising smuggling and job risks in border areas such as Putumayo, Nariño and Carchi. The organization recalled that it can only act with member countries and that Ecuador has threatened to leave the group.
