This is chaotic for the entire country», he continued. The trade war began in January when the Ecuadorian government announced the application of a 30% «security fee» on Colombian imports, arguing a supposed lack of firm actions by Colombia against drug trafficking on the common border. In response, Colombia imposed tariffs on 73 Ecuadorian products, which came into effect last week, after which Ecuador raised the levy to 50%. Transporters waved flags during a protest against the increase in tariffs on Colombian imports from 30% to 50% at the Rumichaca international bridge in Tulcán (Ecuador). EFE/ Xavier Montalvo Meanwhile, Olga Reasco, another affected rice retailer, stated that sales have decreased because buyers fear being taxed or facing restrictions when crossing to the Colombian side. «We mainly have clients from legal border crossings, I don't know why they were closed», she indicated. Protesters also expressed concern over the situation at the neighboring crossings of Carmelo, Tufiño, and Urbina, which they said remain closed despite expecting a resolution for their reopening. Photo EFE.