The Colombian government, through Decree No. 0170 of 20 February 2026, has imposed a 30% tariff and land entry restrictions on Ecuadorian goods in response to Quito’s trade measures.
The Colombian government, through Decree No. 0170 issued on 20 February 2026, has established reciprocal tariffs and entry restrictions on goods from Ecuador in response to trade measures previously imposed by Quito.
The decree applies a 30% ad valorem tariff on 23 tariff headings, covering 73 subheadings, for products originating in Ecuador. This mirrors the 30% “security fee” Ecuador applied to Colombian exports on 21 January 2026. It also prohibits the entry of specific sensitive goods through land border crossings in Ipiales and Puerto Asís.
Colombia cites national security exceptions under the Cartagena Agreement of the Andean Community and the GATT 1994 (WTO). The government stated that Ecuador’s measures have created “grave international tension” and threaten Colombia’s essential security interests and economic stability.
The decree further notes Ecuador’s violation of the CAN Liberation Program by restricting Colombian transit to the Rumichaca crossing and imposing unauthorised levies.
Affected products
Products subject to the 30% tariff include refined sugar, copper conductors, confectionery, motor vehicles, and unroasted coffee.
Goods restricted from land entry include:
- Rice: High domestic inventories and irregular imports.
- Musaceae (Plantains and Bananas): To prevent Fusarium R4T fungus.
- Other Agricultural Products: Hass avocado, coconut, potatoes (risk of “Purple Top” disease), onions, tomatoes, and beans.
- Fishery Products: Trout, shrimp, and prawns, to protect domestic aquaculture from disease.
- Fentanyl Precursors: Full restriction on chemicals for illicit fentanyl production.
Economic impact
Ecuador’s prior measures would have caused a 97% reduction in Colombian exports to its neighbour, a loss of around USD 1.803 billion. Most affected regions are Antioquia (31%), Bogotá (19%), Valle del Cauca (18%), Cundinamarca (13%) and Bolívar (9%).
Entry into force
The decree, issued on 20 February 2026, took effect the day after publication in the Official Gazette (24 February 2026). Non-compliance will result in seizure of both goods and transport, with no possibility of legalisation or re-shipment.
