US open to temporarily suspending tariffs on Colombia after earthquake, says President

The United States has shown receptiveness to Colombia's request for a temporary suspension of tariffs, according to President Abelardo de la Espriella. This measure aims to alleviate economic pressure on businesses affected by the devastating earthquake on August 10. The U.S. currently imposes a 12.5% tariff on Colombian products, and its temporary suspension could offer crucial support to the nation's recovery efforts.

President de la Espriella announced the positive development following a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He expressed gratitude for the logistical, economic, and rescue team support provided by Washington in the wake of the disaster. To advance the tariff suspension, the President has instructed the Minister of Commerce, Mauricio Gómez, to travel to Washington immediately and personally oversee the matter.

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There is a process to achieve this, and the U.S. government is fully willing to move forward with this objective. I have instructed the Minister of Commerce, Mauricio Gómez, to travel to Washington today and personally take charge of this matter.

This initiative follows President de la Espriella's earlier proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump to ease tariffs on key exports like flowers. The President highlighted the immense challenge of rebuilding Colombia amidst a difficult economic climate, citing a projected deficit of 6.4% of GDP for 2025 and public debt exceeding 1.167 trillion pesos by mid-year.

The recent earthquake has had a severe impact, with the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management reporting 289 fatalities, 4,187 injuries, and 143 disappearances nationwide. The National Institute of Legal Medicine has accounted for 304 bodies, with 300 victims identified in the hardest-hit areas.

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I told him (Trump) that we have a huge challenge ahead: to rebuild Colombia amidst the very difficult and apocalyptic economic situation I inherited.