Colombia's President Asks Trump for Tariff Pause After Earthquake

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian products. The plea comes after a devastating earthquake hit the South American nation earlier in the week.

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I asked him (Trump) to consider temporarily suspending the high tariffs that affect Colombian products, to ease the pressure on our businesspeople, who are in a very difficult situation as a result of the earthquake.

De la Espriella announced the request on social media platform X, detailing a phone conversation with Trump. He explained that the suspension of tariffs would help alleviate the burden on Colombian businesses already struggling with the aftermath of the earthquake. The U.S. had raised its tariffs on Colombian imports to 12.5% from 10% on July 24, with exceptions for certain goods like coffee and oil.

The conversation between the two presidents reportedly lasted about 10 minutes. Trump expressed sympathy for the victims of the earthquake, which was the strongest to hit Colombia in the current century. De la Espriella described the call as "very friendly and cordial." He also informed Trump about the immense challenge of rebuilding Colombia amidst a difficult economic situation he inherited.

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The conversation was very friendly and cordial.

The earthquake has caused widespread destruction in the western Colombian cities of Cali and Pereira, leaving at least 294 people dead and destroying nearly 13,000 buildings. De la Espriella, who was inaugurated last week after winning the June presidential runoff, had promised a close relationship with the United States during his campaign. Trump had previously endorsed de la Espriella during his presidential bid.

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I told him that we are facing an enormous challenge: rebuilding Colombia in the midst of the extremely difficult and catastrophic economic situation that I have inherited.