Colombia Doubles Prices on Ecuadoran Imports in 24-Hour Trade War

Colombian Trade Minister Diana Morales announced Friday that tariffs on Ecuadoran goods will leap from 30 percent to 100 percent, effective immediately. The move matches Ecuador’s identical hike announced Thursday, turning everyday products into overnight luxuries. A $10 Ecuadoran chocolate bar will now cost $20 on Colombian shelves.

“We have exhausted all diplomatic efforts and kept channels of dialogue open with the government of Ecuador,” Morales said. Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism confirmed the escalation after months of negotiations collapsed. Ecuador refused to reverse its tariff increase, citing a trade deficit and accusations that Colombia ignores drug trafficking.

Ecuador’s right-wing President Daniel Noboa claims Colombia fails to intercept illicit drugs. Colombia counters that its military seized its biggest drug shipment in a decade last November. The two neighbors now use tariffs as weapons in a fight that started with narcotics enforcement.

The tariff battle intensified after Noboa lashed out at Colombian President Gustavo Petro for calling imprisoned former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas a “political prisoner.” Petro demanded Colombia take custody of Glas, convicted of corruption. Noboa labeled Petro’s remarks “an assault on our sovereignty” earlier this week.

Petro accused Noboa last month of bombing Colombian territory without coordination. Charred bodies were reportedly recovered from the attack site near the shared border. Neither government has publicly acknowledged civilian casualties or offered compensation to affected families.

Colombian consumers face doubled prices on Ecuadoran roses, shrimp, and bananas starting this weekend. Ecuadorian exporters of tuna, cocoa, and wood products will see their competitive advantage erased overnight. Small border towns that depend on cross-border trade will lose both customers and suppliers within days.

Noboa’s right-wing administration clashes ideologically with Petro’s left-wing government on everything from energy policy to prison conditions. The tariff war marks the first time their philosophical differences translate into measurable economic pain for citizens. Both leaders face domestic pressure to appear strong while their economies absorb the shock.

Colombian and Ecuadorian businesses have no grace period to adjust supply chains or renegotiate contracts. Morales stated Colombia will maintain the 100 percent rate until Ecuador agrees to reciprocal tariff reductions. Ecuador’s government has not announced whether it will escalate further or seek mediation from neighboring countries.