Colombia Matches Ecuador's 100% Import Tariffs

Colombia raised tariffs on imports from neighboring Ecuador to 100 percent on Friday, matching a similar increase announced by Ecuador a day earlier, as tensions over border security, drug trafficking and a jailed politician escalated into a full-blown trade dispute between the two South American nations.

The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism confirmed the move would take effect immediately, up from the previous 30 percent rate on Ecuadorian goods. Ecuador's Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment stated its 100 percent tariffs on Colombian imports would begin on May 1, rising from 50 percent. The escalation marks the third round of hikes since January, when Ecuador imposed a 30 percent tariff citing a trade deficit and insufficient Colombian efforts to combat drug trafficking along their shared 590-kilometer border.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa accused Colombia of lacking commitment to fighting narcoterrorism, saying in a statement Thursday that violent deaths along the northern border had dropped 33 percent since the initial measures. Colombian officials denied the claims, highlighting joint military operations and a record cocaine seizure...