Ecuador calls Colombia its 'worst trade partner,' justifies border tariffs

President Daniel Noboa has sharply criticized Colombia, labeling it Ecuador's "worst trade partner" and justifying the recent imposition of tariffs on Colombian goods. In an interview with the Colombian magazine Semana, Noboa highlighted a substantial trade deficit, stating that Ecuador faces a $1.2 billion shortfall with a total trade volume of $2.1 billion with Colombia. He argued that this imbalance negatively impacts Ecuadorian employment and foreign exchange. Noboa clarified that Ecuador is not initiating a trade war but is instead declaring war on drug trafficking, violence, organized crime, smuggling, and illegal mining, issues that he contends spill over from Colombia. A key justification for the tariffs, according to Noboa, is the increased cost Ecuador incurs for border security. He stated that his country has had to significantly boost military deployment, at an additional cost of approximately $400 million annually, to contain violence and illicit activities emanating from areas like the Putumayo department. This security burden, he implies, is not adequately shared by Colombia. The diplomatic friction is further exacerbated by political disagreements, particularly concerning the case of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas. Noboa firmly rejected Colombian President Petro's characterization of Glas as a "political prisoner," asserting that Glas is imprisoned for corruption charges. This stark difference in perspective underscores the deep-seated tensions between the two nations, extending beyond economic concerns to fundamental issues of justice and regional security.

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Colombia is our worst partner globally: we have a deficit of one thousand two hundred million dollars with a total trade of two thousand one hundred million dollars.