Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has announced it will raise tariffs on imports from neighboring Ecuador from 30% to 100%. The move, confirmed on Friday, matches the rate Ecuador set a day earlier, marking a significant escalation in the trade and diplomatic dispute between the two South American nations. This tit-for-tat action underscores deepening tensions that threaten regional economic stability.

Ecuador has in recent months increased tariffs against Colombia, citing a persistent trade deficit and accusing its neighbor of insufficient efforts to combat drug trafficking. Colombia, however, has denied these allegations, highlighting its military operations aimed at intercepting illicit drugs, including seizing its largest shipment in a decade last November. The dispute is further complicated by political clashes between the right-wing government of Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa and the left-leaning administration of Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

This week, Noboa criticized Petro’s comments on the imprisonment of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas as an “assault on our sovereignty.” Petro has repeatedly labeled Glas, a left-wing figure convicted of corruption, a “political prisoner” and called for his transfer to Colombian custody. Additionally, last month, Petro accused Noboa of authorizing bombings near the Colombian border without coordination, with reports of charred bodies recovered from the scene, adding a security dimension to the rift.

Colombian Trade Minister Diana Morales explained on Friday that her country was compelled to increase tariffs in response to Ecuador’s decision to spike its tariffs to 100% on Thursday. She stated, “We have exhausted all diplomatic efforts and kept channels of dialogue open with the government of Ecuador, seeking a solution that benefits both countries, businesses, and above all, the communities on both sides of the border. However, we have not received a positive response.” Morales confirmed that Colombian countermeasures would take effect immediately, signaling a hardline stance amid failed negotiations.

Source: www.aljazeera.com