Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian goods as the country grapples with the aftermath of a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
De la Espriella said he made the request during a telephone conversation with Trump, seeking economic relief for Colombian businesses affected by the disaster. U.S. tariffs on Colombian products rose from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent in late July, with some exemptions, including coffee and oil.
The earthquake, which struck western Colombia on August 10, has killed nearly 300 people, injured thousands and caused widespread destruction across several communities. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing as authorities assess the scale of the damage.
De la Espriella described his conversation with Trump as friendly and cordial, saying the suspension of tariffs would provide relief to businesses facing difficult conditions during the reconstruction period.
The Colombian government is now focused on emergency response and rebuilding, with the disaster expected to place significant pressure on the country’s economy.
