Colombia has imposed a 30% tariff on 20 Ecuadorian products and indefinitely suspended electricity exports to Ecuador after Quito introduced matching duties, escalating a bilateral trade dispute. The measures target roughly $250 million in goods and follow complaints from Ecuador about an $850M+ trade deficit and border security concerns. Colombian ministers called the tariffs temporary and signaled openness to negotiation, while business leaders warned of immediate economic and employment risks. Colombia also cited past energy assistance — about 450 MW supplied in late 2024 — in condemning Quito’s move.
Colombia Imposes 30% Tariffs and Halts Electricity Exports After Ecuador Retaliates
Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new military commanders at the Army cadet academy in Bogota, Colombia, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Esteban Vega)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Colombia announced on Thursday that it will impose a 30% tariff on a list of Ecuadorian products and suspend international electricity sales to Ecuador, responding to retaliatory duties introduced by Quito under President Daniel Noboa’s government.
What Happened
The measures come after Ecuador announced matching tariffs the day before amid public complaints from President Noboa about a trade imbalance with Colombia and concerns over uneven border security. Colombian authorities called Ecuador’s unilateral duties a surprise and stressed that existing binational cooperation — including joint military and anti-narcotics operations — remains active.
Trade And Economic Details
Colombian officials said the 30% tariff targets 20 specified Ecuadorian products, representing about $250 million in trade according to Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce. Authorities also warned there is a “possibility of extending the measure to a broader group” of goods.
According to Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Ecuador exported $760 million worth of goods to Colombia from January to November 2024 while importing $1.8 billion from Colombia during that period. The Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters later reported the bilateral trade deficit reached $852 million for the January–November 2025 period.
Energy Suspension
Separately, Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy announced an indefinite suspension of all international electricity sales to Ecuador. The ministry called the move a "preventive measure" to safeguard Colombia’s energy sovereignty and security.
Energy Minister Edwin Palma denounced Ecuador’s tariffs as "economic aggression" that threatens regional integration, noting that Colombia had supplied roughly 450 megawatts — about 90% of its exportable power — to help stabilize Ecuador’s grid during a severe energy crisis in late 2024.
Business And Political Reactions
“Since yesterday, member companies have been contacting us in a state of high concern,” said Oliva Diazgranados, executive director of the Bogotá-based Colombian-Ecuadorian Chamber of Commerce. “This situation directly impacts corporate development and sales projections; it may even threaten jobs.”
Business leaders on both sides have warned of immediate economic fallout if the dispute persists, urging a swift diplomatic resolution. Commerce Minister Diana Marcela Morales described the tariffs as temporary and said Colombia remains open to negotiation.
Outlook
The dispute highlights how security concerns at the shared border — a long-standing issue tied to criminal groups and international drug trafficking — are spilling into trade relations. Observers say the next steps will depend on diplomatic talks, potential reciprocal measures, and how quickly both governments can return to established bilateral mechanisms.
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