Story perspectives

De la Espriella Urges Trump to Suspend Colombia Tariffs

8/16/2026

Summary

Espriella Seeks Relief

President Abelardo de la Espriella asked U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend 12.5% tariffs on Colombian products after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
Tariffs increased to 12.5% on July 24, replacing an earlier global duty.
The earthquake killed at least 294 people, destroyed about 13,000 homes and damaged buildings in Cali, Pereira and western cities.
Finance Minister Miguel Gomez said the government is not yet considering tax hikes to fund $6 billion reconstruction need.

Summary

Mexico Sends Aid

Mexico sent two aircraft with 19.5 tons of food and 19 security personnel to Pereira.
A Unidos Por Los Nuestros concert on Aug. 16 in Miami, with 30+ Latin stars, will raise relief funds.
Nicky Jam and Argos launched “Adopta Un Hogar”, pairing a COP 13 billion cement pledge with matched funds.
U.N. resident coordinator María José Torres said on-ground teams enabled a rapid relief pivot.
Over 44,900 families are displaced, with schools and arenas turned into shelters.

History

Historical Context

On 12 January 2010 a magnitude-7.0 quake struck near Léogâne, killing hundreds of thousands and prompting a global relief surge, including $100 million pledged by the United States and a $58 million telethon. The Haiti response included temporary trade relief measures, a model President Barack Obama later cited when Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella asked President Donald Trump to suspend 12.5 % tariffs.

1 of 3

Espriella Seeks Relief

President Abelardo de la Espriella asked U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend 12.5% tariffs on Colombian products after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
Tariffs increased to 12.5% on July 24, replacing an earlier global duty.
The earthquake killed at least 294 people, destroyed about 13,000 homes and damaged buildings in Cali, Pereira and western cities.
Finance Minister Miguel Gomez said the government is not yet considering tax hikes to fund $6 billion reconstruction need.

1 / 3