Colombia seeks diplomatic solution to trade war as Ecuador says there will be no blackouts

Colombia is pushing for negotiations two days after President Daniel Noboa imposed 30% tariffs on imports entering Ecuador. “Although we strongly object to the arbitrary action by the government of Ecuador, we believe dialog is the best avenue to settle disputes between our two countries,” the Colombian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

All three power generation turbines at the Mazar hydroelectric complex are back in operation following Colombia’s suspension of electricity sales to Ecuador.

Noboa announced the tariffs Wednesday, claiming Colombia was not doing enough to combat drug trafficking and illegal mining near the border. Colombia responded by imposing tariffs of its own on Ecuadorian products as well as suspending sales of electricity to Ecuador.

Colombia defended itself against Noboa’s claim on “noncooperation” on the border, listing dozens of bilateral police and military operations carried out against illegal activity in the region and in Pacific waters. “For many years, we have actively participated with our Ecuadorian neighbors in the battle against drug trafficking and unauthorized mining,” Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said in its statement. “We were taken by surprise by President Noboa’s unilateral action.”

Following Colombia’s suspension of power sales, Ecuador’s Energy Ministry issued a statement “guaranteeing” there would be no blackouts in the country. The statement followed social media reports that blackouts, similar to those in late 2024, would begin in February. “These reports are false,” the ministry said. “We have adequate generation capacity to supply the country’s needs for the foreseeable future. There will be no blackouts.”

In the past 12 months, private Colombian companies have suppled between 4% and 9% of Ecuador’s electricity, according to the National Electricity Corporation (CNEL). Since November, Colombian power has allowed two of the three generators at the Mazar complex in Azuay Province to remain idle, allowing the reservoir to refill. Following the suspension of Colombian power purchases Thursday, all three Mazar generators were back in operation.

Former Ecuador deputy energy minister Ricardo Buitrón agreed that the country has sufficient generation capacity for several months. “The hydro reservoirs are near capacity, and we will soon enter the rainy season in the southern central valley and the Amazon,” he said. “This should see us through to at least the middle of year.”

Buitrón cautions that power shortages could return later in the year. “Ecuador has a generation deficit of about 900 megawatts and that deficit is growing, so it is critical to build additional capacity and to restore sales from Colombia while that happens,” he said. “It is important to understand that current demand will be met by drawing down stored water at Mazar and other reservoirs. This is a temporary solution. The water is like a savings account and there is a limit to how much can be withdrawn.”