Summary
Ecuador will impose a 30% security tariff on imports from Colombia. President Daniel Noboa stated this is due to Colombia's lack of action against illegal mining and drug trafficking. The tariff will begin on February 1 and aims to encourage Colombia to work collaboratively with Ecuador to address border issues.
Key Facts
- Ecuador will introduce a 30% tariff on Colombian imports starting February 1.
- The reason for the tariff is Colombia's insufficient efforts to combat illegal mining and cocaine trafficking.
- President Daniel Noboa is aligning his policies with U.S. President Donald Trump's approach to dealing with drug trafficking.
- Noboa has expressed strong support for Trump's policies, particularly in expanding U.S. influence in Latin America.
- Noboa previously supported a failed referendum that would have permitted the construction of U.S. military bases in Ecuador.
- Ecuador hopes the tariff will prompt Colombia to collaborate more in addressing the shared border's drug-related challenges.
- Ecuador's trade deficit with Colombia exceeds $1 billion annually.
- U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has visited Ecuador twice in relation to this cooperation.
