Key facts
- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa is eliminating a security fee effective June 1.
- The decision followed a conversation between Noboa and Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De la Espriella.
- Bogota has repealed its retaliatory tariffs against Ecuador.
- The tariff repeal was framed by Quito as a goodwill measure, but rejected by Bogota.
- The move occurred two days before Colombia's first-round presidential election.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has decided to eliminate a security fee, which was set to be reduced to 75%, effective June 1. This decision follows a discussion with Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De la Espriella. Concurrently, Bogota has also repealed its retaliatory tariffs imposed on Ecuadorian goods. However, Bogota rejected Quito's framing of the tariff repeal as a "goodwill measure." The timing of this development is notable, occurring just two days before Colombia's first-round presidential vote, which was won by De la Espriella. Analysts suggest that this move indicates President Noboa's trade dispute was driven more by ideological differences with Colombian President Petro than by genuine trade grievances.