Colombia has banned the import of certain Ecuadorian fruits, citing fears of the Fusarium race 4 fungus, a claim that is contested by Ecuador's banana sector.
Colombia has issued a decree prohibiting the import of various Ecuadorian products, particularly fresh bananas and orito, due to concerns regarding the presence of Fusarium race 4 tropical fungus. This decision, which affects 30 specific product categories, was announced on February 23, 2026, and the Colombian government justifies it by asserting that increased land imports of bananas significantly elevate the risk of introducing pests and diseases, especially due to the geographical proximity of detected cases in Ecuador.
Ecuador's banana sector disputes Colombia's claims, arguing that the actual outbreak of Fusarium race 4 is under control and located further away from the border. The Ecuadorian government asserts that the safety measures and phytosanitary regulations are in place to prevent the spread of the fungus, and they believe that Colombia's restrictions are unwarranted and could harm their export economy.
The ongoing dispute highlights the tensions in trade relations between Colombia and Ecuador, particularly concerning agricultural products that are vital to Ecuador's economy. The situation calls for diplomatic engagements to resolve the trade barriers imposed by Colombia while addressing biosecurity concerns that both countries are facing regarding the movement of agricultural goods across their shared border.
