Ecuador's Minister of Production, Comercio Exterior e Inversiones, Luis Alberto Jaramillo, has expressed significant concerns about the lack of political will from the Colombian government to resolve ongoing trade disputes between the two nations. He emphasized that there has been no dialogue for the past two weeks, which has escalated worries about the future of commercial relations. This situation comes amid calls from the Andean Integration System for collaborative solutions, but Ecuador feels that Colombia has not responded adequately.

According to Jaramillo, communication had been gradually improving before it abruptly ceased, marking a worrying shift in the diplomatic discussions. He highlighted that this breakdown in dialogue could negatively affect trade, which had been on a hopeful trajectory. The tension points to larger implications for trade relations in the Andean region, and without renewed efforts toward resolution, both countries may face significant economic consequences.

In response to the trade impasse, Ecuador has announced a substantial increase in tariffs, raising the rate from 30% to 50%. This move is seen as a means to exert pressure on Colombia to re-engage in negotiations and find a diplomatic resolution. The situation reflects not only bilateral issues but also broader economic strategies within the Andean Community, as nations navigate complex trade dynamics.