Ecuador President Meets US VP in Washington Amid Colombia Trade Dispute

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa held talks with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington on Wednesday, according to AFP. The meeting comes weeks after Quito imposed tariffs on neighboring Colombia amid border tensions.

The right-wing Ecuadorian leader has publicly criticized Colombian President Gustavo Petro for what he describes as a failure to combat drug trafficking and illegal mining along their shared border.

Noboa's office stated in a release that the visit to the United States aims to "strengthen bilateral relations, combat drug trafficking," and discuss growth opportunities for Ecuador.

Tariff Retaliation and Diplomatic Moves

Last month, Ecuador imposed a 100% tariff on Colombian goods, prompting Bogota to respond with equivalent duties. Both sides have recalled their respective envoys.

Noboa, a strong ally of US President Donald Trump, is scheduled to address the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States and meet with US lawmakers on Thursday. Colombian leftist President Gustavo Petro spoke before the same council three months ago during an official visit to Washington.

Security Crackdown and Drug Routes

Since taking office in 2023, Noboa has pursued aggressive policies against organized crime, including expanding military operations and issuing orders to bomb areas along Ecuador's border with Colombia.

Approximately 70% of the cocaine produced in Colombia and Peru—the world's two largest cocaine producers—passes through Ecuador before being exported via its Pacific ports.