Andean Community Orders End to Colombia-Ecuador Tariff War Ahead of Colombian Election

Colombia’s government on Saturday rejected Ecuador’s plan to eliminate tariffs on Colombian imports, saying the step was required by an Andean Community of Nations resolution rather than a goodwill gesture by President Daniel Noboa. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry stated that Noboa’s announcement followed talks with opposition presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and described the remarks as deliberate interference in Colombia’s electoral process.

The ministry also called the comments an intrusion by a foreign leader that constitutes a flagrant violation of the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs.

Colombians go to the polls on Sunday to elect the successor to President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella, who represents the political movement Defenders of the Homeland, is among the frontrunners in the polls. Noboa did not clarify whether he would maintain the tariff decision if ruling-party candidate Iván Cepeda wins.

The trade war began in January when Noboa imposed a security tax on Colombian imports, alleging a lack of control on the Colombian side of the border and citing a trade deficit of at least $1 billion. The tax started at 30 percent, rose to 50 percent, and later reached 100 percent. Days before the May 29 announcement, Noboa had said the rate would be reduced to 75 percent starting June 1.

The Petro administration responded with tariffs of up to 75 percent on Ecuadorian products and prohibited energy sales to Ecuador. Both countries summoned each other’s ambassadors amid the tensions. The Andean Community of Nations ruled earlier in May that the reciprocal tariffs must be eliminated because they hinder free trade and set a deadline for compliance.

The group is currently reviewing appeals opposing the resolution.