Ecuador’s President Noboa announced a 27% tariff on Mexican imports, mirroring former President Trump’s trade policies. This move aims to strengthen local manufacturing and may be an effort to bolster relations with the U.S. amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with Mexico, stemming from a prior incident involving the arrest of a former Ecuadorian official.
On Monday, Ecuador’s conservative President Daniel Noboa announced an increase in tariffs on Mexican imports, implementing a 27% tariff. This decision echoes the trade restrictions proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The motive behind the tariff increase, according to President Noboa, is to enhance local manufacturing, though it may also be an attempt to gain favor with the U.S. government, which recently hinted at its own 25% tariffs on Mexican goods.
The announcement of the tariffs occurs amidst a tense diplomatic dispute between Ecuador and Mexico. This friction intensified following an incident last year where Ecuadorian police entered the Mexican Embassy to detain former Vice President Jorge Glas. Additionally, President Noboa is currently campaigning for a full constitutional term after his election to complete the term of his predecessor, Guillermo Lasso.
In summary, President Noboa’s decision to impose tariffs on Mexican exports signals a shift towards protective trade policies reminiscent of Trump’s approach. While primarily aimed at supporting local economies, this measure also reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions and Noboa’s political strategy. It remains to be seen how these tariffs will impact Ecuador’s trade relations with Mexico, considering their minimal current trade volume.
Original Source: apnews.com
