A growing diplomatic rift between Ecuador and Colombia escalated on Thursday after Bogotá recalled its ambassador in response to Quito’s decision to impose a 100 per cent tariff on imports from Colombia.

The latest development marks a sharp turn in the months-long trade dispute between the neighbouring countries, driven by accusations over insecurity along their shared border.

Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, confirmed the decision in a post on 𝕏, ordering the immediate return of his country’s envoy.

“Our ambassador to Ecuador must return immediately,” Petro said.

He added that his government would intensify its response, announcing that the next cabinet meeting would be held near the Ecuadorian border.

“The next cabinet meeting will be held at a location on the border with Ecuador,” he stated.

Naija News reports that the diplomatic fallout followed Ecuador’s announcement of a 100 per cent tariff on Colombian imports, set to take effect in May.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, a known ally of Donald Trump, had earlier recalled his country’s ambassador to Colombia for consultations.

The move came amid worsening relations, with Quito accusing Bogotá of failing to curb drug trafficking and illegal mining operations along their porous border.

Tensions further escalated after Petro described jailed former Ecuadoran vice president, Jorge Glas, as a “political prisoner.”

Glas, who served under former leaders Rafael Correa and Lenin Moreno, is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence for corruption—his fourth conviction since 2017.

Petro’s remarks drew swift backlash from Quito, further straining diplomatic ties.

Reacting to the tariff decision, Petro described the measure as excessive and warned of broader consequences.

“It’s just simply a monstrosity, but this signifies the end” of the Andean Community of Nations, “in which we already no longer participate,” he said.

The Andean Community of Nations, a regional trade bloc, includes Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia.

In response, Noboa defended his government’s position, insisting that meaningful cooperation was impossible without a shared commitment to tackling organised crime.

“It is not possible to reach agreements with someone who does not share the same commitment to fighting narco-terrorism,” he said.

“In the future, it will be possible to talk with a government that is truly committed to combating crime and drug trafficking.”

The current standoff traces back to January, when Ecuador first imposed a 30 per cent tariff on Colombian goods over alleged security lapses. The levy was later increased to 50 per cent before the latest hike to 100 per cent.

Colombia responded with its own 50 per cent tariffs and suspended electricity exports to Ecuador, worsening the latter’s ongoing energy shortages.

Despite several rounds of talks, both sides have failed to reach a compromise, raising concerns that the dispute could further destabilise economic and diplomatic relations in the region.