That Colombian Coffee Just Got Even More Expensive — But the CAN Says 'Enough'

If you've noticed Colombian products getting pricier at Coral or Supermaxi, there's a reason — and there might finally be relief on the way.

The Andean Community of Nations (CAN) issued Resolution No. 2582 on May 7, ordering both Ecuador and Colombia to withdraw their reciprocal tariffs within 10 business days. The body declared the measures "incompatible with the Cartagena Agreement" — the treaty that's supposed to keep trade flowing freely between Andean nations.

How We Got Here

The trade war escalated fast:

• February 1, 2026: Ecuador imposed a "security tax" of 30% on Colombian imports
• May 1, 2026: Ecuador raised that to 100%
• Shortly after: Ecuador dialed it back to 75%
• Colombia's response: Retaliatory tariffs starting at 30%, escalating to 75% on select Ecuadorian products

That means some Colombian goods coming into Ecuador have been marked up by 75% before they even hit store shelves — and Colombian consumers are paying more for Ecuadorian products too.

What Does This Mean for Expats?

If you buy Colombian coffee, snacks, household products, or anything else that crosses the border, you've been paying a premium. The CAN's 10-business-day deadline means we could see prices start normalizing by late May — if both countries comply.

The bigger question is whether this sticks. Ecuador and Colombia have been trading escalations for months, and a CAN resolution carries weight but isn't always immediately enforced.

What to Watch

Keep an eye on prices at your usual stores over the next few weeks. If the tariffs come down, Colombian imports should get cheaper. If they don't, expect the CAN to escalate further — and for cross-border shopping trips to Ipiales to stay popular.

Sources: El Mercurio, Primicias