In February 2025, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s decision to impose a 27% tariff on Mexican imports.
Sheinbaum pointed out that exports to Ecuador represent only 0.4% of Mexico’s total trade, downplaying the economic impact of such measure.
The Mexican president said in her traditional morning conference that “Sinaloa shrimp are more delicious than those from Ecuador”, minimizing the impact that tariffs would have on the Mexican economy.
It is worth noting that, according to Reuters, the state of Sinaloa is a major producer of Mexican shrimp.
Tensions between Mexico and Ecuador
The imposition of these tariffs by Ecuador took place in a context of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Shrimp from Sinaloa are more delicious than those from Ecuador
Claudia Sheinbaum, presidenta de México
Tensions came to a head after an incident in 2024, when Ecuadorian forces entered the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former vice president Jorge Glas, which led to the severance of diplomatic relations.
President Noboa justified the tariff measure as a strategy to promote fair treatment for Ecuadorian companies and encourage local industry, while moving towards the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with Mexico.
Limited trade between the two nations
Despite the tensions, trade between Mexico and Ecuador is relatively limited, according to El Economista.
According to data from the Banco de Mexico, from January to November 2024, Mexico exported products to Ecuador for a value of US$446 million, representing less than 1% of Mexico’s total exports.
On the other hand, Ecuador has tried on several occasions to expand its access to the Mexican market, especially in sectors such as shrimp and bananas.
However, the Mexican government has shown resistance to allowing the entry of these products without restrictions, which has been a recurring sticking point in trade negotiations.
The future of Mexico-Ecuador relations
With tariffs in place and FTA negotiations still unresolved, the relationship between Mexico and Ecuador remains uncertain.
Buzzy
Although both nations have expressed their interest in reestablishing dialogue, recent events have complicated the possibility of a near-term rapprochement.
For now, Mexico maintains its position of not yielding to Ecuador’s commercial pressure, while the Noboa government insists on the need to review the conditions of bilateral trade.
The international community is closely following this situation, as the diplomatic rupture between the two countries sets a precedent in Latin American politics.
Time will tell if the differences can be resolved through diplomacy or if tensions will continue to affect the relationship between the two nations.
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