Colombia Signs Decree 0455: Retaliatory Tariffs of 35–75% on Ecuadorian Products — Bilateral Trade Projected to Collapse

Colombia has escalated the bilateral trade conflict with Ecuador by signing Decree 0455 on April 28, 2026, establishing a three-tier retaliatory tariff structure on Ecuadorian products. The decree awaits publication in Colombia's Official Gazette for immediate enforcement.

Tariff Structure

Tier	Rate	Products
Highest	75%	Rice, palm oil, sunflower oil, sugar, cocoa powder, coffee, ethanol, petroleum derivatives, plastics, steel/iron, aluminum, refrigeration equipment, electrical components
Mid	50%	Industrial products
Lowest	35%	Legumes, food products, pharmaceuticals, footwear

The decree was signed by President Gustavo Petro along with the ministers of Commerce, Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Agriculture.

Projected Trade Impact

Direction	Projected Decline	Dollar Value
Colombian imports from Ecuador	-75%	-$640M
Colombian exports to Ecuador	-79%	-$1.452B
Top 20 products: imports ceasing	15 of 20	—
Top 20 products: exports ceasing	12 of 20	—

The projected mutual destruction is notable: Colombia's retaliatory tariffs are expected to harm its own export sector more than Ecuador's in absolute dollar terms, with $1.452 billion in Colombian exports at risk compared to $640 million in Ecuadorian exports.

Legal Basis

Colombia invoked two security-exception provisions:

• Article 73 of the Cartagena Agreement (Andean Community) — allows members to restrict trade for national security reasons
• Article XXI of GATT 1994 — the WTO's security exception clause

Both provisions have historically been difficult to challenge, though the Andean Community's Tribunal de Justicia could theoretically review the invocation.

Escalation Timeline

Date	Event
January 21, 2026	Ecuador imposes 30% tariff on Colombian goods
March 2026	Ecuador increases to 50%
April 9, 2026	Ecuador announces 100% tariff effective May 1
April 28, 2026	Colombia signs Decree 0455 (35-75% retaliation)
May 1, 2026	Ecuador's 100% tariff takes effect
Pending	Colombia's decree pending Official Gazette publication

Sector Exposure

Ecuador's agricultural exports to Colombia face the highest tariff tier (75%), directly threatening rice, cocoa, and palm oil producers who depend on the Colombian market. Ecuador's industrial exporters face the 50% tier, while pharmaceutical and food producers face 35%.

Conversely, Colombian exports to Ecuador — including sugar, medical supplies, and medications — have already been subject to Ecuador's 100% tariff since May 1, affecting consumers and healthcare supply chains.

What to Watch

• Official Gazette publication date. Colombia's tariffs take effect upon publication — expected within days
• Andean Community response. The Cartagena Agreement's dispute resolution mechanisms could be activated, though enforcement has historically been weak
• Consumer price impact in both countries. The mutual trade collapse removes approximately $2.1 billion in bilateral commerce, with substitution costs passed to consumers on both sides
• Third-party beneficiaries. Peru, Chile, and Brazil are positioned to capture displaced trade volumes in both directions
• Diplomatic channels. No bilateral negotiations have been announced. The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation

Source: Expreso