Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has defended the tariffs levied on Colombian imports, stating that the official statistics indicate positive outcomes not only for security but also for the trade balance and employment in the country. During an interview on Radio Centro, Noboa emphasized the need to remove any confusion surrounding the tariffs and urged analysts to review the data comprehensively. He highlighted the financial commitment of around $400 million that Ecuador allocates to tackle the ongoing crisis, indicating a serious governmental response to security concerns.

Particularly concerning security, Noboa pointed to a noteworthy 33% reduction in violent deaths in the border provinces of Carchi, Esmeraldas, and Sucumbíos during February compared to the same period last year. This significant decline is attributed to increased security controls and strategic measures taken both in trade and security domains. Noboa firmly stated, "The numbers are there," underscoring a direct correlation between governmental actions and improvements in safety.

On the economic front, Noboa remarked that Colombia is Ecuador’s second-largest trading partner, and the tariffs are part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic production and support the economy amid challenging times. By focusing on both security and economic collaboration with Colombia, the government aims to foster a more stable and secure environment, which could benefit both nations in the long term through strengthened ties and reduced violence. Overall, Noboa's position reflects a calculated effort to balance economic and security interests while promoting national welfare in light of regional dynamics.