Abelardo de la Espriella requests tariff relief from Donald Trump following devastating earthquake in Colombia
Amid the humanitarian and economic crisis that Colombia is going through following the recent earthquake, President Abelardo de la Espriella has formally requested that U.S. President Donald Trump grant a temporary suspension of the tariffs affecting various national products. This measure seeks to provide financial relief to Colombian entrepreneurs at a critical moment for the country’s recovery.
During a phone conversation that lasted ten minutes, De la Espriella expressed his gratitude for the support received from Washington. The support includes financial assistance and the deployment of specialized rescue teams that have worked tirelessly in the areas affected by the earthquake.
A call in the face of the national emergency
The central axis of the petition focuses on the 12.5% tariff that the United States currently imposes on key imports such as Colombian flowers. De la Espriella argues that this relaxation is vital to sustain the business fabric while the State faces the costs of reconstruction.
I told Trump that we have a huge challenge ahead of us: to rebuild Colombia in the midst of the very difficult and apocalyptic economic situation that I inherited.
Abelardo de la Espriella, President of ColombiaThe president underscored the complexity of the national financial scenario, marked by a fiscal deficit of 6.4% of GDP in 2025 and a public debt that has reached the record figure of 1.167 trillion pesos.
International solidarity and casualty toll
According to the official report, Donald Trump expressed his solidarity with the affected families and reaffirmed his commitment to the stability of the South American nation. This strategic alliance is seen by the Colombian government as a determining factor in overcoming the current emergency.
In addition to his efforts with the U.S. administration, De la Espriella maintained a dialogue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express gratitude for the dispatch of humanitarian aid and rescue personnel from Israel.
Below is the current situation following the natural disaster:
- Epicenter: San José del Palmar, Chocó department.
- Death toll: 294 people.
- Injured people: 3,935.
- Missing: 320 citizens.
The figures, provided by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), reflect the magnitude of the impact that has mobilized the international community in support of Colombia.
