The U.S. Supreme Court made a significant ruling, declaring the surcharges that had been in place since April 2025 as illegal, affecting all of the U.S.'s trade partners including Ecuador. This ruling shifts the basis of trade discussions and has led to President Donald Trump announcing a new global tariff of 10%. This change raises questions about the implications for the previously set 15% surcharge and the bilateral trade agreement with Ecuador.

Expert Daniel Legarda, a former minister of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investments, commented that the U.S. government's reaction, including the new tariff announcement, was expected. He noted this situation introduces more uncertainty into the trade landscape, despite the announcement being a somewhat positive development by limiting misuse of existing tools. The focus now shifts to upcoming decrees that will clarify the legal framework and the potential future of tariffs between the U.S. and its trade partners.

This new tariff policy reflects ongoing protective measures from the U.S., indicating that the government will continue its trend of prioritizing domestic interests over international free trade agreements. The implications for Ecuador, as a key partner, could be substantial, particularly for its export-driven economy, placing additional emphasis on the need for reassessment of trade strategies moving forward.