Colombia-Ecuador trade collapsing as tariff war intensifies, business groups say

May 1, 2026 - 22:08

RUMICHACA BRIDGE, Colombia/Ecuador - The once-bustling flow of goods across the border between Colombia and Ecuador is grinding to a halt, according to industry groups on both sides. A sharp escalation in tariffs has turned the busy trade corridor into a quiet stretch of asphalt, with truck traffic dropping dramatically in recent weeks.

Business associations from both nations report that the escalating tariff dispute is directly hurting small and medium-sized exporters. Products that used to cross the border daily, such as textiles, agricultural goods, and manufactured parts, are now sitting in warehouses. The cost of doing business has simply become too high for many traders.

Local leaders at the Rumichaca Bridge, the main land crossing, say the number of cargo vehicles has fallen by more than half compared to the same period last year. Drivers wait for hours or days, only to find fewer loads to haul. The slowdown is rippling through border towns, where shops and restaurants rely on the traffic of truckers and merchants.

The tariff war began after disagreements over trade quotas and anti-dumping measures. Each side has responded with new duties, creating a cycle of retaliation. Analysts warn that if the trend continues, the economic damage could be long-lasting. Both countries are now facing pressure from their own exporters to return to the negotiating table before the trade route dries up completely.