Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Ecuador's main Quito-to-coast corridor was closed Monday after a drainage structure collapsed at kilometer 83 of the Alóag-Santo Domingo highway. Expreso reports the closure at km 87; Teleamazonas places it at km 89. No official reopening time yet. Here's what you need to know if you're traveling this week.
Ecuador's EMBI country risk indicator closed at 409 points on April 17 — the lowest level since October 2014. The reading reflects higher oil prices, an IMF $400M disbursement, and a growth forecast upgraded from 1.8% to 2.5% for 2026. Here's what it means for cost of living and investment.
Three Ecuadorian nationals are among the first group of 15 migrants sent from the United States to the Democratic Republic of Congo, arriving in Kinshasa on April 17, 2026. Ecuador's Foreign Ministry confirms they are housed in a hotel 'in good condition.' The arrangement is described as temporary, with permits lasting 6 to 12 months.
The Quito Metro suspended commercial operations at 5:30 AM on Monday, April 20, after a technical incident. All stations were affected. No official timeline for restoration. Here's what commuters need to know and what alternatives exist.
Ecuador's government takes formal possession of the country's largest hydroelectric project today, ending a decade of refused acceptance over 17,661 documented fissures. China's PowerChina takes over operation and maintenance at $46M/year for 25 years. Here's what the deal contains and what it means for the country's power supply.
Ecuador's social security pension system has more than doubled its retiree count since 2016 — to 840,456 — while contributing affiliates have stayed flat at 3.54 million. Pension spending hits $7.55 billion in 2026, contributions cover only $3.44 billion. The IESS is requesting $3.05 billion from the government and pulling $1.41 billion from reserves. Here's what's actually happening to Ecuador's pension system.
President Noboa ratified the SECA trade agreement with South Korea via Decreto Ejecutivo 359 on April 15, two days after the Asamblea approved it 83 votes. The deal eliminates tariffs on 98.9% of Ecuadorian exports to a 51-million-consumer market. Shrimp goes to 0% immediately. Bananas phase out over five years. Here's what's in it.
President Noboa presented Q1 2026 economic results in a national broadcast. Sales hit $63.2 billion (vs $57.7B Q1 2025). Country risk dropped from 1,908 bps a year ago to 416 today. Public investment jumped from $42M to $533M YoY. Here's what the government is claiming and what to actually take from it.
Ecuador's strategic Mazar reservoir is sitting at ~2,137 m.s.n.m. — about 61% of stored energy capacity, and 23–28 meters above the same period in 2024. Energy Minister Inés Manzano declared "tenemos agua." Hydroelectric is currently delivering 72.3% of national output. Here's the supply-side picture as the heat wave continues.
Starting June 1, 2026, Ecuador's tax authority requires VAT declarations to be filed and paid in a single transaction. Partial payments — even with credit notes — invalidate the declaration. If you run a business, rental property, or freelance income through SRI, this is a meaningful workflow change. Here's what's required.
National Police executed Operation Apolo 19 in Quito's Quitumbe district on April 17, arresting 30 people across Guamaní, Turubamba, Chillogallo, La Ecuatoriana, and Las Cuadras. 53 officers participated. Seizures included 1 firearm, 20 bladed weapons, 14 detonators, 58 rounds of ammunition, 1.5 kg of cocaine, and 11 stolen vehicles.
Bilateral trade between Ecuador and Colombia fell 44% year-over-year in February 2026, the first month of the tariff war — to just $124.9 million. Ecuadorian imports from Colombia dropped 66%. Exports fell 20%. Pharma imports collapsed 34%, industrial chemicals 48%, and Rumichaca's transport hub has ground to a halt.
