Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has formally requested that U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian imports to assist in the recovery from a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on August 10, resulting in at least 289 deaths as of August 16.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on August 15, de la Espriella stated he spoke with Trump for 10 minutes, during which Trump conveyed his condolences to earthquake victims and expressed solidarity with those affected. The Colombian president described the conversation as "friendly and cordial."
De la Espriella thanked Trump for U.S. economic aid and rescue team support and requested the temporary suspension of tariffs, which currently range from 10% to 12.5% on Colombian imports. These tariffs were imposed by Trump in July over allegations of forced labor practices in trading partner countries, including Colombia. The president emphasized the urgency of rebuilding Colombia amid what he described as an "extremely difficult and apocalyptic economic situation."
Earthquake Impact and Response
The earthquake’s epicenter was located near San Jose del Palmar, Choco, with widespread damage reported in cities including Cali, Pereira, and Manizales. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with debris removal and rescue operations continuing as of August 16.
The White House has not issued an official statement regarding the request for tariff suspension as of publication time. The Epoch Times reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response.
Political Context
De la Espriella, who took office on August 7, was endorsed by Trump during Colombia’s closely contested presidential election, decided in a June 21 runoff. His administration has sought to highlight strong ties with the U.S. as a cornerstone of Colombia’s recovery strategy.
Background on Tariffs
The tariffs, imposed in July, affect imports from 60 trading partners, with Colombia facing a 12.5% tariff. The policy aims to address concerns over forced labor in global supply chains, though its implementation has drawn criticism from affected nations seeking exemptions for humanitarian or economic crises.
As of August 16, the death toll from the earthquake stands at 289, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing in severely impacted regions.