Colombia will raise its ad valorem reciprocal tariff on imports from Ecuador to 100% effective 1 May 2026, escalating a trade dispute following reciprocal tariff measures.
The Colombian government has confirmed that it will raise its ad valorem reciprocal tariff on a range of imports originating from Ecuador from 50% to 100%, escalating an ongoing trade dispute between the two countries.
According to a presidential press release issued on 10 April 2026, the new tariff level will take effect on 1 May 2026 and will be implemented through an amendment to Decree No. 0170 of 2026. The adjustment follows a series of earlier tariff increases introduced in response to Ecuador’s trade measures, which began with a 30% customs control fee on 1 February 2026 and rose to 50% from 1 March 2026.
The Colombian government stated that the decision comes after repeated diplomatic engagement with Ecuador, which did not produce a resolution. Authorities noted that Ecuador’s own decision to impose a 100% tariff on Colombian goods prompted Colombia to match the rate in line with its reciprocal trade policy framework.
Meanwhile, President Gustavo Petro described Ecuador’s 100% tariff on Colombian products as “a monstrosity, which means the end of the Andean Pact for Colombia.”
Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio also declared on social media that “breaking with the Andean Community undermines decades of integration that have benefited our peoples,” warning that “we are already requesting Colombia’s entry into Mercosur.”
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT) confirmed that the regulatory amendment will be submitted to the Committee on Customs, Tariffs, and Foreign Trade (Triple A) for formal processing.
Colombia has also brought the matter before the Andean Community (CAN), arguing that the measures conflict with obligations under the Cartagena Agreement of 1969 and have disrupted trade conditions within the Andean market.
Officials said the tariff escalation is affecting competitiveness for producers operating across both markets, particularly in sectors dependent on regional supply chains.
Separately, the government said it will roll out financial relief measures for businesses, including expanded credit access and liquidity support, aimed at helping companies manage cost pressures and maintain operations during the dispute.
