Ecuador Lifts 75% Tariffs on Colombian Goods, Including Coffee – CoffeeTalk

Ecuador has officially eliminated the previously imposed 75% tariffs on Colombian products, including coffee, following an order from the General Secretariat of the Andean Community to remove trade restrictions established during a conflict. This decision, taking effect immediately, comes after Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s discussions with Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who secured 10.3 million votes, or 43% of the total, in the first round of Colombia’s presidential elections.

The tariffs were originally instituted by Noboa as a response to concerns over border security and rising drug trafficking, starting at 30% before escalating to 100%. The Ecuadorian National Customs Service (Senae) confirmed the removal of these tariffs in a recent resolution. Prior to this measure, Colombian coffee exporters reported that even one bean could not be sold under the 100% tariff regime.

Ecuador remains a significant trade partner for Colombia, being the sixth largest buyer of Colombian exports in 2025, although there was a slight contraction in trade value from the previous year. In 2024, Ecuador purchased approximately $27.95 million in Colombian coffee products, a considerable increase from $19.01 million in 2024. Coffee concentrates, extracts, and essences formed the bulk of these exports.

The trade relationship has faced significant strain, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro protesting the actions taken by Noboa, asserting they amounted to interference in Colombia’s electoral process. In retaliation, Petro recalled Ambassador María Antonia Velasco from Quito for consultations, reiterating his lifelong commitment to combating drug trafficking and standing for social justice.

Amidst this backdrop, Ecuador previously reported a trade surplus of $62.9 million with Colombia for the first time in over 25 years, attributed to a significant uptick in Ecuadorian exports, which increased by 32% over the previous year, while imports from Colombia saw a dramatic decline of 56.7%. The trade conflict had escalated since January 21 when tariffs were first announced, prompting reciprocal measures from both nations, including substantial increases in transportation tariffs for Colombian crude oil by more than 900%. The bilateral trade relationship continues to be influenced by these political and economic dynamics.

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