Ecuador and U.S. Reach Trade Agreement Ending 15% Surcharge on Flowers

In a significant development for Ecuador’s floriculture sector, Quito and Washington have reached a reciprocal trade agreement that will eliminate the 15 % surcharge previously applied to Ecuadorian flowers entering the United States — one of the world’s largest floral markets.

The new trade framework, formally known as an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), comes after nine months of negotiations and eight technical rounds between the two governments. Once the agreement is ratified and enters into force, about 50 % of Ecuador’s non-oil exports will gain immediate tariff-free access (0 % surcharge) to the U.S. market, according to official statements.

What This Means for Ecuador’s Flower Industry

In 2025, Ecuadorian flowers — including its world-renowned roses — faced a cumulative 15 % tariff surcharge in the United States as part of broader reciprocal tariff policies. This surcharge had increased the overall cost of exported flowers compared with competitors from countries like Colombia, which benefit from preferential access.

Eliminating this surcharge is expected to improve Ecuador’s price competitiveness in the U.S. floral market and reduce cost pressure on exporters and growers. It also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen bilateral trade ties and diversify market access.

Broader Trade Implications

The ART framework establishes a platform for deeper economic cooperation between Ecuador and the United States, with implications beyond flowers alone. The trade deal also aims to:

• Harmonize tariff conditions for a wider range of export sectors

• Provide greater predictability and stability for exporters

• Potentially serve as a stepping stone toward a future free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries

Still a Work in Progress

While the negotiations are concluded, the exact list of products that will benefit immediately — including specific flower categories and other goods — is still being finalized. Final ratification timelines have not yet been publicly announced, and industry groups are closely watching for formal implementation details.

As this new trade frontier unfolds, Ecuador’s floriculture sector — already a global leader in premium roses and floral varieties — stands on the brink of a more competitive and cost-efficient chapter in its trade with the United States.

Sources: Official statements from the Government of Ecuador, Ministry of Production, and national press reports (February 2026).