Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has made significant policy announcements as he prepares for a tight re-election campaign, reflecting a tough stance on crime and trade. In a series of posts on social media, Noboa declared the implementation of a 27-percent tariff on imports from Mexico and announced a temporary closure of the country’s borders, citing threats from armed groups.
The tariff on Mexican imports, which Noboa announced on Monday, aims to protect Ecuadorian industries and ensure fair treatment for local producers. He stated his commitment to a free trade agreement with Mexico but emphasized that the tariff would remain until such an agreement is finalized. This move aligns with similar actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has also threatened tariffs on Mexican goods to address immigration and drug trafficking concerns.
In addition to the tariff, Noboa revealed plans to close Ecuador’s borders from February 8 to February 10 in response to unspecified threats from criminal organizations. He also expressed intentions to militarize the country’s ports and enhance military presence at the borders, reflecting his administration’s ongoing battle against rising violence from criminal gangs.
These announcements come just days before the election, where Noboa faces a challenging race against Luisa Gonzalez, his left-wing opponent from the Citizen Revolution Movement. Current polling indicates Noboa leads with about 38 percent of the vote, while Gonzalez trails at 32 percent, suggesting a potential run-off if neither candidate secures a majority.
Noboa, who has been in office since November 2023 after winning a snap election, has struggled to effectively tackle the surge in violence attributed to organized crime. His administration has faced criticism for its handling of security issues, despite implementing measures to expand police and military powers. Additionally, the country is grappling with energy shortages due to a severe drought affecting hydroelectric power generation, leading to rolling blackouts that have fueled public discontent.
As the election approaches, Noboa’s administration is under pressure to deliver results on both security and economic fronts, making his recent policy announcements a strategic attempt to bolster his image as a strong leader in a time of crisis.