Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has announced a 27% tariff on Mexican imports, echoing former President Trump’s trade policies. The action aims to boost local manufacturing and comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Mexico. The decision follows a controversial incident involving the arrest of former Vice President Jorge Glas at the Mexican Embassy.
Ecuador’s conservative president, Daniel Noboa, recently announced an increase in tariffs on Mexican imports, implementing a 27% duty intended to bolster local manufacturing. This decision mirrors the trade policies enacted by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which he had recently paused in light of ongoing negotiations with Mexican leadership. Noboa’s actions appear to be an attempt to align with the Trump administration, amidst interests in addressing illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling.
The move follows a significant diplomatic spat between Ecuador and Mexico, particularly after Ecuadorian authorities entered the Mexican Embassy to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas. The incident led to a breakdown in diplomatic relations, with allegations from Ecuador that Glas was involved in fraud, rather than political exile. Although the trade relationship between Ecuador and Mexico is minimal, the tariffs reveal Noboa’s strategic positioning in both domestic and foreign policy arenas.
In summary, President Noboa’s imposition of tariffs on Mexican goods underscores both an effort to protect local industries and a possible alignment with U.S. policy under the Trump administration. This decision further complicates the already strained diplomatic relations between the two nations. While the actual economic impact may be limited, the political implications highlight Noboa’s attempts to secure favor ahead of upcoming elections.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
