Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Ecuador-Colombia Trade Fell to USD 700M During Tariff Dispute, Recovery Seen at 75%
Ecuador-Colombia trade fell to USD 700 million in January-April 2026 from USD 888 million a year earlier during a four-month tariff dispute. Commercial flows are recovering after tariff removal, but Tulcán chamber leadership estimates normalization may still take 30 to 40 days.
Ecuador-Argentina Auto Deal Would Cut Import Tariff to 10%
Ecuador and Argentina have completed negotiations on an automotive trade agreement that would lower the tariff on Argentine vehicles entering Ecuador from 28% to 10%. The measure could reshape import pricing, competition and regional supply-chain positioning in Ecuador’s auto sector.
EV Import Delays Hit Ecuador as RoRo Capacity Tightens
Ecuador sold 4,019 electric vehicles in the first five months of 2026, more than triple the prior-year level, with BYD accounting for 39% of the segment. Primicias reports that RoRo shipping space for Ecuador has fallen around 30%, creating delivery delays for BYD and other Asia-sourced brands.
LATAM Adds Quito-Santiago Route With 35,000 Annual Seats
LATAM opened sales for a direct Quito-Santiago route that will begin in December 2026 with four weekly flights. El Universo reports that the service will add about 35,000 seats per year and reduce travel times by one and a half to three hours versus connecting options.
Ecuador Auto Assembly Triples to 6,647 Units as Argentina Deal Draws Industry Pushback
Ecuador’s three remaining vehicle assemblers produced 6,647 units from January through April 2026, nearly triple the 2,438 units assembled in the same period of 2025. Industry leadership says the pending Argentina agreement is asymmetric because it lowers Ecuador’s export tariff by only five points while cutting Argentina’s import tariff by 18 points.
Ecuador Collected USD 149M From Colombia Tariff, Raising Refund-Claim Exposure
Ecuador collected USD 149 million from the security tariff imposed on Colombian imports between February and May 2026. The tariff reached 100% in May before being eliminated on June 1, creating potential refund-claim exposure after CAN ordered both countries to lift reciprocal trade measures.
Sierra-Coast Logistics Corridor Restricted Through June 28
Traffic restrictions on the Balbanera-Pallatanga-Cumandá road run from June 22 to June 28, 2026 as rehabilitation work proceeds on seven sections. The corridor connects Ecuador’s central Sierra with the Coast and supports passenger, agricultural and heavy-cargo movement between provinces including Chimborazo and Guayas.
Guayaquil Airport Keeps Flights Operating After Security Event Restricts Access
Guayaquil’s airport remained operational for scheduled domestic and international flights after a June 17 shooting outside the terminal. The business impact was concentrated in access control, passenger flow and security operations rather than immediate flight cancellations.
Senae Seizes Counterfeit Ecuador Jerseys in Customs Control
Senae said counterfeit Ecuador national-team shirts were detected during a control on a parcel truck attempting to bring merchandise into the country. The agency framed the action as part of its work against contraband and falsified products.
CAN Countries Discuss Single Andean Sky After 40M International Passengers in 2024
Andean Community countries discussed a “single Andean sky” proposal at the IV Andean Air Transport Forum in Quito. The subregion moved 40 million international passengers in 2024, including 6.47 million passengers traveling between CAN countries.
Colombia Removes 30% Tariffs on Ecuadorian Goods After CAN Dispute
Colombia removed the 30% reciprocal tariffs on selected Ecuadorian goods through Decree 0583, derogating Decree 170 of February 20, 2026. Rice tariffs will be dismantled within 45 days as customs controls are strengthened along the southern border.
World Cup Demand Could Lift Ecuador June Sales to $25.609B
Ecuador's June sales are estimated at $25.609 billion, up 10.1% from $23.269 billion in June 2025. Commerce alone is projected at $10.701 billion, up 14%, as World Cup demand flows through restaurants, bars, sports retail, electronics, delivery and telecoms.
