Ecuador lifts 100% tariff on Colombian goods, seeks trade normalization

On 1 June 2026 Ecuador eliminated the 100 % “security tax” applied to imports from Colombia, a measure introduced by President Daniel Noboa in early 2026 and raised from 30 % to 100 % amid a trade dispute. The removal was announced via a resolution of the Servicio Nacional de Aduana (SENAE) and is intended to restore bilateral trade that had been crippled for months.

Ecuador’s transport and business groups welcomed the step, noting that heavy‑truck traffic and cross‑border commerce will recover gradually. President Noboa linked the decision to talks with Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and to compliance with the Comunidad Andina (CAN). Ecuador continues to defend its position before the CAN and awaits a reciprocal decree from Colombia dismantling its own retaliatory tariffs and border restrictions.

Colombian exporters and the National Association of Foreign Trade (Analdex) have urged Bogotá to lift its measures, arguing that thousands of firms on both sides depend on the flow of food, medicines, plastics, chemicals and vehicles. The border remained partially closed during Colombia’s presidential election, with the Rumichaca bridge shut until 1 June for security reasons. Both governments signal that full normalization will depend on political developments and formal CAN rulings.