Ecuador. Some imported products, which are raw materials for the production of paints and coatings, are being regulated by the Committee on Foreign Trade (Comex) and are part of the 293 tariff headings.
For this reason, the Ecuadorian sector has been obliged to replace imported materials with those of domestic manufacture. One of the cases detailed in a note published by Diario Expreso relates to the import of a surfactant for latex resins, a product for architectural use used for interior decoration and finishes.
Pablo Vásconez, general manager of Pinturas Unidas, said that due to the scarcity of the product: "We have opted for another product with very similar characteristics. So far it is the only one, but as new regulations are coming out there may be new raw materials with restrictions and that could affect the quality."
With these measures, the paint industry in Ecuador hopes that controls on the import of some products will not affect its production in a great way. Currently, manufacturing establishments for paints, varnishes and related coatings are recording annual sales of US$7,801,630.
