Event
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested that US President Donald Trump suspend tariffs on Colombian goods following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that killed at least 300 people and destroyed nearly 13,000 homes in the western cities of Cali and Pereira. De la Espriella stated the suspension would provide relief to business owners facing economic hardship. The request follows a friendly conversation between the two leaders, during which Trump expressed condolences. US tariffs on Colombian products had recently increased from 10 percent to 12.5 percent.
2 published stories · security · source reliability 67%
The new Colombian leader cites an inherited economic crisis and the destruction of nearly 13,000 homes as grounds for suspending recently increased US duties, amidst broader security alliances including the Shield of the Americas.
Background
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested a temporary suspension of US tariffs on Colombian goods to facilitate post-earthquake reconstruction following a 7.4-magnitude quake that killed at least 294 people. The request comes as the US recently raised tariffs on Colombian products from 10 percent to 12.5 percent, citing alleged failures to uphold anti-forced labour measures. The Colombian government estimates reconstruction costs at $6.4bn and has ruled out raising taxes to cover the expense. President de la Espriella, who took office in early August after a close victory endorsed by Donald Trump, described his recent conversation with the US President as “very friendly and cordial”. This diplomatic appeal occurs amidst broader US tariff renewals targeting nearly all trading partners and follows Colombia’s recent entry into the “Shield of the Americas” anti-cartel alliance.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested a temporary suspension of US tariffs on Colombian goods to facilitate post-earthquake reconstruction following a 7.4-magnitude quake that killed at least 294 people. The request comes as the US recently raised tariffs on
Fact cards
Key entities: Colombia, Donald Trump, Abelardo de la Espriella, Cali, Pereira, United States, Israel, Gustavo Petro.
France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260816-colombia-s-new-president-asks-trump-to-suspend-tariffs-after-deadly-earthquake | published 2026-08-16T05:39:51.000Z | primary source | Al Jazeera Global News | https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/15/colombi
June 2026: Abelardo de la Espriella wins the Colombian presidential election in a close victory over leftist Ivan Cepeda, with endorsement from Donald Trump. Early August 2026: President de la Espriella takes office. Late July 2026: US tariffs on Colombian products increase from
Timeline
Abelardo de la Espriella wins the Colombian presidential election in a close victory over leftist Ivan Cepeda, with endorsement from Donald Trump.
President de la Espriella takes office.
US tariffs on Colombian products increase from 10 percent to 12.5 percent, with exceptions for coffee and oil.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia, killing at least 294 people and causing billions in damage.
President de la Espriella requests a temporary tariff suspension from President Trump to aid reconstruction; White House announces renewed tariffs based on anti-forced labour concerns.