Colombia-Ecuador traders warn of rice imports and Rumichaca bridge restrictions

Oscar Obando, president of the Gremio de Trabajadores de la Frontera, said the possible authorization of Ecuadorian rice imports into Colombia could alter the commercial dynamics of the binational corridor and threaten local producers.

He also highlighted the suspension of cargo transshipment for Ecuadorian drivers at the Rumichaca International Bridge, which has created uncertainty, higher costs and longer delivery times for traders. Obando called on Colombian and Ecuadorian authorities to reach coordinated decisions that protect domestic agriculture and restore normal logistics across the border.