The commercial relationship between Colombia and Ecuador is going through one of its most complex moments after the entry into force, this February 1, of tariff measures of 30% between both countries. The decision has already begun to be felt at the border, where congestion, uncertainty in the logistics chain and growing concern about the economic and security impacts are reported.
In the hours before the application of the new tariffs, long lines of trucks were recorded at the entrances to the Rumichaca International Bridge, the main land crossing between both countries. Transporters tried to move goods before the new tariffs increased export and import costs. Although extraordinary customs procedures were enabled, a considerable part of the cargo was trapped.
Unequal economic impact
Nariño business associations warn that the measures do not affect both countries in the same way. Colombia, which exports more products to Ecuador than it imports, could face a greater impact, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, textiles, footwear and capital goods.
Alfredo Buchelli, director of Fenalco Nariño, explained that around 40% of border commercial movement could be affected, which would put companies and jobs consolidated for years at risk. According to the leader, the loss of competitiveness compared to products from other countries, such as Peru, could lead to a sustained reduction in Colombian exports to the neighboring country.
Transporters warn about smuggling and insecurity
The transportation sector also expressed its concern. Manuel Romo, vice president of the Colombian Truck Drivers Association in Nariño, pointed out to Snail Radio that Ecuador has already issued the resolution that imposes the collection of 30% as a customs services fee, while in Colombia the equivalent decree has not yet been formalized, which generates a scenario of operational uncertainty.
Romo warned that the decrease in the legal flow of goods could encourage the use of irregular routes, especially for products such as rice, increasing smuggling and security risks in the border area.
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Binational protest in Rumichaca
In the absence of visible progress, Colombian and Ecuadorian transporters announced a joint mobilization called March for Border Dignity. The protest is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, and will include a vehicle caravan and a walk that will converge at the Rumichaca International Bridge.
The call seeks to bring together more than a thousand transporters from both countries and aims to pressure the governments to reactivate diplomatic dialogue and avoid a prolongation of the trade conflict. The organizers maintain that, within the framework of the Andean Community, these types of restrictions contradict the principles of regional free trade.
A conflict with political and security background
The tension arose after the announcement by the Ecuadorian president, Daniel Noboa, who justified the imposition of tariffs by arguing a lack of cooperation on border security and an unfavorable trade balance. In response, the Colombian government announced similar measures, which escalated the conflict.
According to official figures cited by national media such as The TimeEcuador is one of the main export destinations for Colombia, with sales that exceeded 1.6 billion dollars between January and November 2025. Therefore, businessmen agree that a prolonged tariff war could seriously affect both economies and further deteriorate security on the border.
While diplomatic contacts advance and a possible intervention by the Andean Community as a mediator is evaluated, the border remains on alert. Transporters, merchants and local authorities agree that time is against them and that a negotiated solution is key to avoiding greater economic and social losses.