Holy Week with external pressure: how Ecuador's tariffs impact the fish market
Holy Week is usually one of the strongest seasons for fish consumption in Colombia. However, this 2026 the context is different. To the usual high demand, an external factor that worries the sector is added: the 50% tariffs that Ecuador imposed on Colombian products. ...
TL;DR
- Ecuador imposed 50% tariffs on Colombian products, affecting the fish market during Holy Week.
- Retailers project higher sales but sell 60%-73% less fish compared to the early 2000s.
- Ecuador is a key trading partner for Colombian fishery products, with over $200 million in exchanges in 2025.
- Shrimp imports may increase in price due to tariffs, impacting consumer costs.
- Concerns exist about increased informal trade, leading to unfair competition and health control issues.
- Despite challenges, authorities guarantee fish supply, estimating consumption around 50,000 tons.
- Aquaculture leads national supply at 57%, followed by imports (28%) and capture fishing (15%).
- Prices have remained relatively stable, but sales have fallen significantly in market squares.
- Traders report sales drops of up to 60% in Medellín's Minorista Plaza during Lent compared to past years.