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Colombia's President asks Trump to suspend tariffs after earthquake
🇩🇪 Germany /Economy & Trade

Colombia's President asks Trump to suspend tariffs after earthquake

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested US President Donald Trump to suspend tariffs on Colombian products.
  • The plea comes in the wake of a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia, causing over 290 deaths and widespread damage.
  • De la Espriella aims to alleviate the economic burden on Colombian businesses struggling with the earthquake's aftermath, noting that US tariffs on many Colombian goods had recently increased.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend tariffs on Colombian products, seeking economic relief for businesses impacted by a recent devastating earthquake.

The request was made via the online platform X on Saturday. De la Espriella stated that the suspension of U.S. tariffs would help Colombian entrepreneurs who are facing difficult times due to the earthquake's consequences. This appeal follows a recent increase in U.S. tariffs on Colombian goods, which rose from 10% to 12.5% at the end of July, with only a few exceptions like coffee and oil.

The powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least 294 fatalities and nearly 4,000 injuries. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with at least 320 people still reported missing.

De la Espriella, a right-wing hardliner, was sworn in as Colombia's new president approximately a week ago, succeeding the left-wing President Gustavo Petro. Notably, Donald Trump had endorsed De la Espriella during his presidential campaign.

The suspension of U.S. tariffs would help Colombian entrepreneurs who are facing difficult times due to the earthquake's consequences.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaColombian President Abelardo de la Espriella explaining the rationale behind his request to Donald Trump.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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