economy
May 5, 2026
Ecuador says it will reduce tariffs from 100% to 75% for Colombia; Paloma Valencia claims credit
The commercial relationship between Colombia and Ecuador has begun to show signs of thawing after months of escalation that seemed relentless.
TL;DR
- Ecuador will reduce its "security tax" on Colombian products from 100% to 75%.
- The measure aims to alleviate pressure on national exporters and open channels for dialogue on defense.
- The tariff adjustment is immediate, with June 1st set for normalization of customs flows.
- The dispute originated from Ecuador's security vision, citing high costs to contain drug trafficking and illegal mining, and ideological clashes over Jorge Glas's situation.
- Ecuador expects this reduction to lead to coordinated joint military and police operations.
- Colombia views the move as an opportunity to re-establish full diplomatic relations and eliminate trade barriers.
- Colombian senator Paloma Valencia claims credit for the reduction, stating it reflects Colombian political sectors' willingness to cooperate against organized crime.
- The goal is to eventually bring tariffs back to 0%.