Ecuador and US Poised to Sign Trade Deal

Ecuadorian President Noboa says agreement is imminent

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Ecuador and the United States are preparing to sign a Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) that would benefit half of the country's exports to the US with tariff exemptions, according to Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso Noboa.

Why it matters

This potential trade deal represents a significant economic opportunity for Ecuador, as it would provide tariff-free access to the large US market for many of its exports. It also signals a strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

The details

The Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) would cover approximately 50% of Ecuador's exports to the United States, eliminating tariffs on those goods. This would make Ecuadorian products more competitive in the US market and boost the country's export revenues.

  • The trade deal is expected to be signed in the near future, according to President Noboa.

The players

Guillermo Lasso Noboa

The current President of Ecuador, who has announced the impending trade agreement with the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Ecuador and the United States are preparing to sign a Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) that would benefit half of the country's exports to the US with tariff exemptions.”

— Guillermo Lasso Noboa, President of Ecuador

The takeaway

This potential trade deal represents an important economic opportunity for Ecuador, as it would provide tariff-free access to the large US market for many of its exports, boosting the country's export revenues and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.