AGP Executive Report

US Trade Shock: The Trump administration, via the U.S. Trade Representative, has proposed new Section 301 tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including Ecuador, citing alleged failures to curb goods made with forced labor—an approach trading partners say is unjustified and likely to raise costs and uncertainty for businesses. Aviation Safety: The FAA is investigating a close call involving a JetBlue flight approaching Fort Lauderdale, after an alert warned of another aircraft not in radio contact; the plane landed safely. World Cup Countdown (Ecuador angle): With the 2026 World Cup starting soon, Ecuador is in Group E and fans are also getting practical guides on venues, schedules, and where to watch key warm-ups. Climate Watch: Scientists warn a Super El Niño could be forming, with potential knock-on effects for weather across the Americas.

US Trade Pressure on Forced Labour: The Trump administration’s USTR proposed new Section 301 duties of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, citing failures to block goods made with forced labour; Ecuador is named among those facing 10% added duties. Colombia Election Fallout: U.S. President Trump endorsed far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella after he topped Colombia’s first round; the EU election mission said it found no fraud in its early review as a runoff looms. Ecuador in the World Cup Spotlight: FIFA has released full 26-man squads for all 48 teams, with Ecuador set to play in Philadelphia’s World Cup schedule starting June 14. Drug Trafficking Link to Ecuador: Hungary seized a record 522 kg of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment traced back to Ecuador, underscoring the region’s role in illicit routes. Travel Outlook for Ecuador: A WTTC forecast says Central and South America’s travel and tourism GDP should grow faster than the global average in 2026, with Ecuador among the markets benefiting.

Ecuador Security: Ecuadorian authorities launched a crackdown on lucrative illegal gold mines near the Colombia border, deploying troops to San Lorenzo and El Alfaro after a state of exception; officials say more than 120 illicit sites operate there, with early clashes leaving at least three injured, and warn the mining boom could fuel organized crime. World Cup Build-Up (Ecuador): Ecuador’s World Cup campaign is getting attention in Philadelphia, where SEPTA says the South Broad Concourse reopened for pedestrian access ahead of the June 14 match vs. Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field. World Cup (Global): The UN’s weather agency warns El Niño may be moderate to strong through November, raising risks of drought, heavy rain, and heatwaves—conditions that could affect travel and event planning across the Americas. Drugs & Ports: Hungary seized a record 522 kg of cocaine hidden in banana shipments from Ecuador, routed via Germany, in a multinational operation. Immigration (US): U.S. prosecutors in Texas filed 350 new immigration-related criminal cases over a week, including an Ecuadorian national charged with illegal re-entry.

Colombia Politics: Far-right lawyer Abelardo “El Tigre” de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential first round with 43.74% and will face leftist senator Iván Cepeda (40.91%) in a June 21 runoff, as President Gustavo Petro rejected preliminary results and raised concerns about the vote count. Ecuador–Colombia Trade: Ecuador moved to end its tariff dispute with Colombia by removing the customs security fee on Colombian imports, effective June 1, after months of escalating border levies. World Cup Ecuador Focus: Ecuador’s men’s team is training in Columbus, Ohio, where the FAA imposed temporary drone flight restrictions around the base-camp area through July 21. Health & Business: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics expanded access across Latin America and the Caribbean to Precivity blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment, including Ecuador. Justice Cooperation: Italy’s ambassador to Ecuador joined a framework agreement between Ecuador’s Judicial Council and the penitentiary service to strengthen cooperation against organized crime. Workers’ Rights Watch: A new ITUC report says workers’ rights pressures persist worldwide; Argentina and Panama were added to the worst group, while Bangladesh improved but remains in the lowest category.

Ecuador World Cup Focus: Ecuador named its 2026 FIFA World Cup squad with Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié and Willian Pacho among the key picks, as the team prepares for Group E matches starting June 15 vs Ivory Coast, then Curaçao on June 21, and Germany on June 25. Local Sports Oddity: A LigaPro match between L.D.U. Portoviejo and El Nacional turned viral after a medical cart collided with a player during play, sparking chaos and anger on the sidelines. Crime and Justice: Police in Azuay say two suspects remain at large after a deadly Chordeleg jewelry store robbery; they also criticized the “lynch mob” that beat two captured suspects to death. Education Pressure: Ecuador’s Education Ministry reports private school enrollment has fallen 24% since 2018, citing family financial strain and a declining birth rate. Environment & Science: Ecuadorian researchers found 62 key dung beetle species in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, highlighting how these insects help keep Amazon ecosystems functioning. Trade/Regional Ties: Mercosur–Canada free trade talks advanced in Toronto, with negotiations covering goods, services, financial services, rules of origin, and sustainable development.

Ecuador–Colombia Trade Reset: Ecuador’s customs authority has ordered the end of the 100% tariff on Colombian goods starting June 1, cutting the security surcharge to zero after months of a tariff dispute tied to border security and anti-drug cooperation. Colombia Election Shock: In Colombia’s presidential vote, far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella led the first round with 43.7% versus Iván Cepeda’s 40.9%, setting up a June 21 runoff; Petro rejected the preliminary results, escalating tensions. US Strikes at Sea: The death toll from U.S. military attacks on suspected drug boats in the Pacific and Caribbean has passed 200, with critics questioning legality and the lack of released proof. World Cup Build-Up (Ecuador in Focus): Ecuador is set to play Germany at the 2026 World Cup, with warm-up coverage highlighting the tournament’s fast-approaching roster deadlines and base-camp logistics. Local Life & Sports: A bizarre LigaPro incident saw a medical cart collide with a player during an Ecuador match, while Ecuador’s national team training and fan guidance continue to ramp up ahead of the tournament.

World Cup Countdown: FIFA’s 48-team squads are due June 1, with the full list set for June 2, and Ecuador sits in Group E alongside Germany, Curacao, and Ivory Coast. Ecuador-Colombia Tensions: Colombia escalated accusations that Ecuador “deliberately interfered” in its presidential election amid a tariff dispute, after Quito’s president said he would lift tariffs following a deal with a right-wing candidate. Ecuador in the Sports Spotlight: Ecuadorian Jhonatan Narváez was forced out of the Giro d’Italia after a crash tied to a bus braking ahead of him; and Ecuador’s national team continues World Cup preparations in training coverage. Health Watch: Africa CDC confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported so far. Climate Signals: NASA satellite data points to El Niño conditions likely developing later this year, with potential for major weather swings across the region. Energy/Trade: US crude imports show a sharp drop from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Libya, while Ecuador remains among suppliers to the US.

Colombia–Ecuador Tensions: Colombia’s foreign ministry says Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is “deliberately interfering” in Sunday’s presidential election after Noboa agreed to lift Ecuador’s tariffs on Colombian imports following a meeting with far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. Trade War Fallout: Colombia also signaled it will remove levies on Ecuadorian products, but Bogotá argues the tariff move isn’t “good faith,” citing an Andean Community commitment and non-intervention rules. Security Curfew Impact: Ecuador extended a curfew tied to drug-gang violence across nine provinces, including Pichincha and Guayas, with no sector exemptions—shrimp producers warn it will disrupt operations and supply chains. Amazon Rights Under Pressure: Indigenous groups in Ecuador’s Amazon face threats from new oil bidding rounds overlapping ancestral territories, prompting calls to halt expansion and protect the Rights of Nature. World Cup Build-Up: Ecuador plays Saudi Arabia in a friendly in New Jersey as teams fine-tune squads ahead of the June 11 tournament kickoff.

Ecuador-Colombia Trade: President Daniel Noboa says Ecuador will lift all tariffs on Colombian products starting June 1, cutting the “security fee” to 0% after agreeing with far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella to boost trade, energy, and security cooperation. World Cup Prep in the U.S.: Ecuador’s national team is training in Columbus, using the Crew’s facilities as a home base ahead of the June tournament, with coach Sebastián Beccacece praising the city’s conditions and hospitality. Drug War Scrutiny: A New York Times report says Trump’s strikes on small boats have made “zero progress” against cocaine flow into the U.S., with experts pointing to steady availability, purity, and prices. Marine Life in Ecuador: Scientists report a newly discovered tiny blue octopus from the Galápagos, adding another species to the islands’ unique deep-sea biodiversity. Local Sports & Community: Kansas City World Cup organizers plan an International Consular Services Center to help visitors—including Ecuadorians—if they lose passports or need urgent assistance.

Crime Pact in the Andes: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru signed the “Santiago Regional Compact” in Chile to coordinate against transnational organised crime, including immigration and financial controls, as ministers warn gangs are spreading across borders. Ecuador Fuel Relief for Fishers: President Daniel Noboa approved up to USD 10.5 million in compensation for Ecuador’s industrial fishing sector to offset sharply higher diesel costs, with reimbursement tied to registered tuna-fishing vessels. Ecuador in Global Sports Spotlight: Ecuador’s Moisés Caicedo-linked football academies in Quito are training children in high-risk neighborhoods, aiming to steer youth away from drugs and crime. Galápagos Science Breakthrough: A newly identified tiny blue octopus was discovered near Darwin Island, adding another species to Ecuador’s world-famous marine biodiversity. World Cup Build-Up: Ecuador’s national team is set to face Curacao in Group E as preparations continue ahead of the 2026 tournament.

U.S.-Backed Crime Crackdown: The U.S. designated Brazil’s PCC and CV gangs as terrorist organizations, with Rubio saying their reach extends beyond Brazil and that the move could enable broader action against networks across the region. Regional Security Push: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru agreed to a coordinated plan against transnational organized crime, setting up a rotating working group to produce concrete, measurable measures within months. Ecuador Spotlight via Sports: Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat is confident ahead of World Cup matches that include Ecuador on June 20, as the tiny island aims to reach the next round. World Cup Injury Update: Neymar is expected to miss Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco after a grade-two calf injury, with Brazil’s first match set for mid-June. Public Health Debate: A new study finds front-of-pack sugar labels may not meaningfully reduce sugar intake among low-income groups, pointing to limits without broader structural fixes.

Ecuador Oil Watch: Petroecuador says it will use “hydraulic fracturing” in Block 57 in the Amazon, sparking confusion and fresh calls for clearer environmental risk details from conservation groups. World Cup Ecuador Buzz: Neymar is a calf-injury doubt for Brazil’s World Cup opener, while Ecuador’s matchups keep popping up in host-city coverage, including Philadelphia’s June slate featuring Ecuador vs. Germany on June 25. Sports & Talent in Ecuador: Inter Miami’s U-19 team is competing in Quito at the Copa Tru Mitad del Mundo, with the youth tournament running May 26–June 6. Global Business Ties: Azerbaijan’s deputy foreign minister says state investment funds could back Ecuador energy and infrastructure projects, alongside possible agro-industrial cooperation. Climate & Nature: A new study argues glaciers should be treated as “more-than-human beings” with rights, reflecting growing Rights of Nature thinking in the Andes. Regional Security: Guatemala agreed to joint U.S. strikes against drug traffickers, and Ecuador is cited as having a similar U.S.-advised raid and airstrike arrangement earlier this year.

Drug Interdiction: U.S. forces reported another strike in the Eastern Pacific, killing one after a suspected narco boat exploded, with two survivors later sought by the Coast Guard. Cocaine Bust: Separate U.S. action stopped a tanker allegedly linked to a Mexican cartel after 500 pounds of cocaine were found aboard an Ecuador-to-U.S. voyage; a crew member was charged. Ecuador Politics: Social organizations in Ecuador launched the recall process against President Daniel Noboa and Vice President María José Pinto, seeking signatures to trigger a referendum. Ecuador Courts: A U.S. judge ordered Ecuador’s state oil shipping company to arbitrate a $650M fraud-related lawsuit tied to the Guillermo Lasso impeachment scandal. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA released base camp and training-site plans for all 48 teams, while New York/New Jersey venues confirmed Ecuador vs Germany among key matches. Science & Ecuador: Researchers identified a tiny blue octopus species from the Galápagos, adding new detail to Ecuador’s deep-sea biodiversity.

Ecuador & World Cup build-up: FIFA released the 2026 Men’s World Cup schedule, with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium, and Ecuador’s national team highlighted as part of Group E alongside Germany, Ivory Coast and Curaçao. Squad pressure from injuries: Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is weighing late fitness updates as he finalizes his 26-man roster, with injuries shaping selection. Ecuador in the spotlight through football stars: Moisés Caicedo’s rise from a working-class neighborhood in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to Chelsea and a second World Cup is being framed as a hometown-to-global story. Crime-fighting and regional security: Ecuador’s president again touted US-backed crime-fighting efforts, while INTERPOL coordinated a major operation across the Americas that included Ecuador, seizing illegal firearms and drugs. Local culture & wellness trend: In Quito, pet owners are increasingly turning to Andean “limpia” cleansing rituals for dogs and cats, blending tradition with modern pet care.

World Cup Build-Up: FIFA has finalized base camps for all 48 teams, with Ecuador set to train in Columbus, Ohio—one more sign the tournament’s footprint is spreading far beyond match cities. USMNT Roster: Mauricio Pochettino named a 26-man squad for the United States, with Gio Reyna and Alex Zendejas in and Diego Luna left out, as the team prepares for Group D openers and tune-ups. Ecuador in the Spotlight: Ecuador’s football hopes are also being framed against a darker backdrop—reports this week point to forced disappearances, killings, and torture tied to the country’s drug war, while Ecuadorian fans pin World Cup dreams on a rare moment of unity. Nature Watch (Galápagos): Scientists announced a new tiny blue deep-sea octopus near the Galápagos—Microeledone galapagensis—found about 5,800 feet down, adding fresh urgency to protecting Ecuador’s marine life. Immigration Courts: A U.S. federal court allowed an Ecuadorian detainee’s challenge and sanctioned ICE over alleged misleading statements, keeping the spotlight on detention conditions.

Galápagos Science: A tiny blue deep-sea octopus, Microeledone galapagensis, has been formally identified from specimens collected near Ecuador’s Galápagos—researchers say it’s the size of a golf ball and that little is known about octopuses living in the tropical Pacific’s depths. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA’s base-camp map is out, with most teams training in the U.S., while the biggest suspense is still who hasn’t submitted final squads—Ecuador is among the holdouts. Crime & Politics in Ecuador: President Daniel Noboa used his State of the Nation address to push roads, metros and medicine, while also doubling down on U.S.-linked crime-fighting claims. Local Safety Watch: Cuenca residents say burglaries, threats and violent deaths are eroding the city’s long-held “safe” image, even as national stats still look better than elsewhere. Health & Climate: A new multi-country study links hotter weather to higher risk of premature birth, including in Ecuador.