Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Celec says high river flows, sediment and rocky material damaged part of the Coca Codo Sinclair area after more than 20 continuous hours of pressure from the Coca River. El Comercio reports the national electric system remains guaranteed, but the episode shows why Amazon river conditions still matter for electricity users across Ecuador.
SECAP has opened 30,000 free virtual course spots through the Compromiso por el Empleo program. Courses run 60 to 90 hours and cover areas like e-commerce, web programming, gastronomy, computer maintenance, basic electricity and auto mechanics.
Expreso reports that Ecuador's 2026 curfews have accumulated 30 days of restrictions and affected at least 120,000 businesses. One economist estimated losses between USD 16 million and USD 32 million, with the hardest hit in nightlife, restaurants, logistics and small businesses.
Monthly inflation reached 0.53% in April 2026, driven mainly by transport costs, with annual inflation at 2.6%. Meanwhile Ecuador's tariff on Colombian goods escalated to 100% on May 1. What it means for anyone living here on a fixed or foreign income.
An addendum to the AC59 trade agreement will lower the import tariff on cars made in Argentina from 16.1% to 10%. Industry expects the deal signed in the second half of June. The Toyota Hilux, a Toyota SUV, and the Ford Ranger are the models in play.
Decreto Ejecutivo 378 extends national transport compensation through June 15, delaying a politically painful fare increase. Loja has already raised fares to $0.36; Cuenca, Quito, Guayaquil and Ambato all see different responses.
The May 12 price adjustment is official — diesel crossed $3/gallon for the first time, stations in Quito and Guayaquil are running dry, and Ecuador is importing 65% of its fuel. The refinery FCC unit restarts May 15.
The May 6 placement of $1 billion in bonds drew $7 billion in demand from 200 international investors. Country risk is at its lowest since 2014. Here's what it means for the economy.
Drivers in Guayaquil and Quito report stations hiding Extra gasoline before the May 12 price adjustment. Terminal dispatches are down 33%. Fill up now if you can.
Aeropuerto de Cancún acquired the Brazilian partner's stake in Quiport, gaining indirect control of Mariscal Sucre. Ecuador's competition regulator approved the deal.
Resolution 2582 declares both countries' tariffs incompatible with the Cartagena Agreement. But with rates still at 75%, business leaders on both sides say trade remains frozen.
A survey of 2,570 companies found that nearly half can't fill open positions. The biggest barriers: lack of experience, weak digital skills, and wages that don't compete.
