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
