Ecuador’s Tariff Spike on Colombia Exposes Failed Border Security and Economic Fallout

In a harsh rebuke of its neighbor, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has declared Colombia its "worst trade partner" as the countries escalate a damaging trade war that threatens more than just bilateral relations. This conflict is rooted in the shared border’s unchecked drug trafficking, which not only undermines regional stability but also jeopardizes American national security by contributing to narcotics inflow into the United States. The story begins with Noboa, a conservative leader aligned with principles of strong borders and law enforcement akin to those championed by the Trump administration. In January, he imposed a 30% tariff on Colombian imports,...