Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Results for “business”Clear
The U.S. Trade Representative is proposing a 10% tariff for Ecuador and five other economies over enforcement of forced-labor import bans. Public comments are open until July 6, and Ecuador’s current 10% surcharge expires July 24.
Executive Decree 398 reforms Ecuador's tax-regulation framework to update identification, marking, authentication and fiscal traceability controls. SRI will implement and control the marking system for selected taxpayers, goods and services.
Primicias reports Ecuador's SRI rule requiring IVA declaration and payment at the same time began June 1. A declaration without full payment will not be valid before the tax authority.
Primicias reports Ecuador's government said the second day of maintenance power cuts ended after 7:00 on May 31. The announcement contrasted with official schedules and user complaints from Guayas.
El Universo reports that Ecuador recorded 273,554 active labor contracts from January through April 2026, with 171,735 concentrated in one broad macrosector covering agriculture, construction, commerce, finance, professional services and health-related work.
Ecuavisa reports that Guayaquil's ATM will install a traffic light at kilometer 14.5 of Via a la Costa after protests over fatal crashes, while Expreso reports residents have criticized the lack of safe pedestrian crossings in the area.
Primicias reports that Ecuador's overdue financial-system portfolio managed by collection firms has risen from about $1.6 billion before Covid-19 to about $2.5 billion today, according to Asocob.
El Comercio reports that Quito's seven main monitored crime indicators fell 25% between January 1 and May 9 compared with 2025. Robbery against people remains the most common issue, and neighborhood leaders still warn about underreporting and reactive policing.
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.
Two vehicle dealerships in Quito's Iñaquito sector were closed after complaints from buyers who said they paid about $2,500 and never received cars. Expreso reports victims have filed complaints with the Fiscalía.
The militarization of Puerto Bolívar has surfaced the human cost: at least 300 families forcibly displaced, criminal group Los Lobos occupying up to 500 homes, and the terminal tied to 10.8 tons — 11.24% — of drugs seized nationally. Over 1,000 troops are searching 1,642 homes.
Executive Decree 383 shifts the Comisión Estratégica de Marcas to the Production, Foreign Trade and Investment ministry, replacing a 2011-era structure. The reframe moves Ecuador's international promotion away from a tourism focus toward investment and trade.
