Ecuador hikes tariffs to 100-percent in feud with neighbour Colombia
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s government has increased tariffs on Colombian imports to 100 percent starting May 1, citing Colombia’s inadequate action on drug trafficking and border security.
- This tariff hike escalates an ongoing dispute between Noboa and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who criticized the move as destructive to the Andean Pact and called for Colombia to strengthen ties with Mercosur instead.
- The tensions are rooted in deeper political and security issues, including allegations of insufficient drug war efforts by Petro’s administration, diplomatic spats over political prisoners, and accusations of military actions near the border.
- Colombia has responded by suspending cross-border energy sales to Ecuador and imposing retaliatory tariffs, intensifying economic and diplomatic friction between the two neighboring countries.
- The conflict reflects broader ideological divides in the region, with Noboa aligning with right-wing leaders like former US President Donald Trump, while Petro pursues left-wing policies including peace negotiations with rebel groups.
