The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, announced that starting Monday, February 3, a 27% tariff would be imposed on products imported from Mexico. This measure was taken with the aim of protecting the national industry while negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both countries are underway, following a tariff agreement between Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. president Donald Trump.
"As we have demonstrated these days, the New Ecuador has always been open to commercial integration, but not in the face of abuse. We reaffirm our stance to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Mexico. But until that happens and becomes a reality, we will apply a 27% tariff," Noboa stated.
The imposition of this tariff has raised concerns among economists, who warn it could lead to increased prices for imported products, affecting Ecuadorian consumers. However, the Ecuadorian government assures that this measure is temporary and aims to ensure that the FTA negotiations proceed fairly for both parties.
So far, the president of Mexico has not issued a response to Daniel Noboa. It is expected that both leaders will engage in dialogue to reach an agreement, as happened recently with President Trump. Ecuador's decision has sparked various reactions in the political and business spheres of the country, where some sectors support the measure as a way to protect the local industry, while others express concern over the possible repercussions on trade relations with Mexico.
