Colombian president asks Trump to suspend tariffs after deadly 7.4 earthquake

Earthquake devastation

On Monday, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, devastating the cities of Cali and Pereira. The quake, centered in the Chocó region according to Europa Press, left nearly 300 dead, at least 320 missing, and nearly 4,000 injured. Approximately 13,000 homes were destroyed. Rescue operations continued through the week, with US rescue teams among those working in the country. De la Espriella thanked Trump for economic aid and the deployment of American rescue personnel. The president described the challenge facing Colombia as rebuilding the nation amid an extremely difficult economic environment.

The tariff request

In a ten-minute telephone conversation on Saturday, De la Espriella asked Trump to consider temporarily suspending the high tariffs affecting Colombian products. He described the call as amicable and cordial, and said the request was meant to relieve entrepreneurs facing difficult circumstances due to the earthquake's effects.

I asked him to consider the temporary suspension of the high tariffs that affect Colombian products, in order to relieve our entrepreneurs, who are facing very difficult moments due to the effects of the earthquake.

US tariffs on Colombian goods rose from 10% to 12.5% on July 24, replacing an expiring global tariff imposed by the Trump administration earlier this year. Some products, including coffee and petroleum, are exempt from the increase. The 12.5% rate applies to Colombian goods entering the US market. Trump announced the new tariff package in July for imports from dozens of countries, citing inaction by authorities to reduce forced labor. Before the earthquake, the new Colombian government was preparing a decree against labor exploitation and slavery aimed at persuading the US to reverse its tariff decision.

Political landscape

De la Espriella, a millionaire lawyer who succeeded leftist leader Gustavo Petro, told Trump that Colombia faces an immense challenge of rebuilding. He attributed the country's economic difficulties to his predecessor, describing the situation he inherited as extremely difficult and apocalyptic. Trump had supported De la Espriella's candidacy during the presidential campaign.

The conversation was very amicable and cordial. I told him that we have an immense challenge before us: rebuilding Colombia amid the extremely difficult and apocalyptic economic situation I inherited.

Since taking office, De la Espriella joined Colombia to the Shield of the Americas, an anti-cartel alliance led by Trump that includes Argentina, Ecuador, and El Salvador. Member states share information and coordinate judicial and security forces against transnational crime. De la Espriella also plans to forge a military alliance with the United States and Israel.

Diplomatic outreach

Trump expressed condolences for the earthquake victims and solidarity with affected Colombian families. On Saturday afternoon, De la Espriella also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the current situation in Colombia, though details of that conversation were not disclosed.

Today, more than ever, the alliance between Colombia and the United States is an imperative for the reconstruction of our beloved nation.