Colombia Seeks 12.5% US Tariff Pause After 7.4-Quake Kills 294
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 15
Colombia Seeks 12.5% US Tariff Pause After 7.4-Quake Kills 294
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 15
Summary
President Abelardo de la Espriella said he asked Donald Trump to temporarily suspend US tariffs on Colombian goods after Monday’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 294 people.
The request aims to ease pressure on businesses as Colombia faces about $6.4 billion in reconstruction needs and what de la Espriella called an “apocalyptic” inherited economy.
US tariffs on Colombian products rose from 10% to 12.5% in late July, though coffee and oil were exempt; the United States is Colombia’s top export market.
De la Espriella said his 10-minute call with Trump was “very friendly and cordial,” underscoring close ties after Trump backed his June election and his government joined Washington’s anti-cartel alliance.