The United States has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from Ecuador, citing inadequate protections against forced labour.
The measure is part of a broader trade policy shift targeting approximately 60 countries, with duties ranging from 10% to 12.5% on nations accused of tolerating labour violations.
Ecuadorian authorities are preparing diplomatic and technical follow-up actions in response to the decision.
Production Minister Luis Jaramillo confirmed that the government is mobilising resources to address the new trade barriers through official channels.
The tariffs represent a significant escalation in US trade policy, extending restrictions to a wide array of economies including Canada and China.
The move underscores Washington's increasing use of trade levers to enforce labour standards, creating new headwinds for export-dependent markets.