00:00The government of Ecuadorian President Daniel Novoa has surged its tariff on neighboring Colombia to 100% effective May 1st,
00:07citing Bogota's alleged failure to implement border security measures.
00:10On Thursday, Ecuador's Ministry of Production issued a statement blasting Colombia, citing a lack of action to address drug trafficking
00:16and border security.
00:18The measure signifies an increase from the previous 50% tariff slapped by Novoa in March.
00:23Petro's presidency has clashed with right-wing regional governments like Novoa's for allegedly not doing enough to tackle the illicit
00:29drug trade despite historic drug seizures during his term in office.
00:33Since Ecuador first imposed its tariffs, Colombia has suspended cross-border energy sales, which have been vital in helping Ecuador's
00:39government navigate electricity shortages prompted by recent droughts.
00:50In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to his ex-account to condemn the measure, stating,
00:55This is simply monstrous, but it means the end of the Indian pact for Colombia. We have no future there,
01:00adding that the foreign minister must initiate the process within Mercosur towards full membership and move towards the Caribbean and
01:07Central America with greater force.
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