U.S. Proposes New 10% Tariff for Ecuador Over Forced-Labor Enforcement

The United States is considering a new 10% tariff on Ecuadorian imports tied to forced-labor import enforcement.

The proposal comes from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) after Section 301 investigations into 60 economies.

What Is Proposed

A larger group of 54 economies faces a proposed 12.5% tariff. Ecuador is in a smaller group of six economies proposed for a 10% tariff.

Ecuador already faces a 10% surcharge on products imported into the United States, but that measure expires on July 24. The new tariff could replace it if adopted.

Public comments are open until July 6.

Why Ecuador Is Included

Ecuador recently adopted a formal prohibition on importing goods made with forced labor through Comex Resolution 005-2026, approved on April 29, 2026.

The U.S. concern is enforcement. The USTR says Ecuador has imposed the prohibition, but has not shown investigations, seizures or other coercive measures yet.

What This Means for Expats

For most residents, this is not a personal tax issue.

It matters for exporters, importers, shrimp/agriculture supply chains, and anyone whose business depends on Ecuador-U.S. trade. The July comment deadline and July 24 tariff date are the two dates to watch.