Colombian President Appeals to Trump for Tariff Relief After Earthquake Tragedy
By Editor • August 16, 2026 • 1 min read
In the wake of a devastating earthquake that claimed nearly 300 lives, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has reached out to US President Donald Trump, urging him to suspend tariffs imposed on Colombian goods. The recent earthquake, which struck western cities Cali and Pereira, has left thousands homeless and the economy in shambles.
De la Espriella, who took office recently, highlighted the dire economic challenges faced by local businesses due to the heightened tariffs, which increased from 10% to 12.5% in late July. He expressed his concerns during a cordial 10-minute conversation with Trump, who offered his condolences following the disaster.
"I asked him to consider temporarily suspending these tariffs, as our business owners are grappling with an apocalyptic economic situation," the president stated on social media. De la Espriella's call for support comes as he navigates the complex political landscape and seeks to rebuild Colombia while forging alliances, including a military partnership with the United States and Israel.
Source: www.france24.com
