Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Ecuador's monthly fuel price adjustment takes effect April 12, raising prices on low-octane gasoline (Extra and Ecopais) and diesel. Super gasoline stays the same. The change pushes up transport costs and adds inflationary pressure to groceries and services.
Amid confusion over Ecuador's IVA reclassification, the SRI has clarified that 94 out of 115 basic basket food items remain at 0% IVA. Fresh milk, raw meats, unprocessed produce, rice, lentils, and legumes are all tax-free. 21 items have moved to 15%. Here is what stays exempt -- and what this means for your grocery budget.
President Noboa signed a decree suspending work on April 30, creating a 4-day weekend alongside May 1 (Labor Day). Banks, government offices, and many businesses will close April 30 through May 3. Expect heavy domestic travel, booked hotels, and coastal congestion.
President Noboa signed Decree 353 on April 2, declaring a 60-day state of emergency across 9 provinces and 4 additional cantons. Unlike the previous emergency that ended March 30, this renewal does not include a curfew -- but it does authorize police raids and suspends home inviolability in affected areas.
Ecuador's Ministry of Health confirmed the country's first imported case of Mpox Clade Ib on April 2 -- the more contagious variant that has driven outbreaks in Central Africa. The case was identified through genomic sequencing by INSPI. Health authorities activated a national alert but stressed there is no need for alarm.
Ecuador's SRI issued a circular on March 26 reclassifying over 60 processed food products from 0% to 15% IVA. Lactose-free milk, all bread and pastries, instant noodles, and pre-cooked meats are now taxed. Fresh natural milk and raw unprocessed foods remain at 0%. The change directly impacts grocery costs for residents.
Ecuador became the first Latin American country to sign a security cooperation agreement with Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency. Published in the Official Register on March 30, the deal enables joint operations against transnational organized crime and has already produced results -- including the dismantling of a cocaine network tied to Los Lobos and Albanian criminal organizations.
Friday April 3 is a mandatory national holiday in Ecuador. Banks are closed through Sunday, government offices shut down, but supermarkets and pharmacies stay open. President Noboa's VAT reduction to 8% on tourism services kicks in for the long weekend.
Ecuador returned to international capital markets in January 2026 for the first time since its 2020 debt restructuring, selling $4 billion in sovereign bonds across two tranches. The move included a $3 billion debt buy-back and sent country risk plummeting from over 2,000 points to 460.
The European Commission concluded negotiations on a Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) with Ecuador -- the EU's first such deal with any Latin American country. The agreement focuses on streamlining investment authorizations, improving transparency, and includes a first-of-its-kind annex on sustainable energy and raw materials.
The UAE and Ecuador signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi's visit, unlocking over $3 billion in investment across clean energy, digital infrastructure, mining, logistics, and agriculture. Ecuador becomes the fourth Latin American country with a UAE trade deal.
The IMF reached a staff-level agreement on the fifth review of Ecuador's $5 billion Extended Fund Facility on March 31. If approved by the Executive Board, Ecuador will receive a $394 million disbursement, bringing total draws to $3.33 billion -- 66% of the program.
