Colombia asks Trump to suspend tariffs as country reels from earthquake

Following a deadly 7.4-magnitude earthquake that killed hundreds and caused massive damage, Colombia's newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella has urged US President Donald Trump to suspend tariffs on Colombian goods. The 10-minute conversation between the leaders was described by de la Espriella as "very friendly and cordial".

Earlier this summer, US tariffs on Colombian products were increased from 10% to 12.5%, excluding items such as coffee and oil. Colombia's Finance Minister Miguel Gomez indicated that the government is not yet considering raising taxes to fund the approximately $6.4 billion needed for reconstruction efforts. This request comes shortly after a legal defeat involving the "Liberation Day" tariffs and following renewed tariffs imposed on nearly every US trading partner, including Colombia, by the White House.

De la Espriella, a right-wing millionaire lawyer-turned-politician, was endorsed by Trump during his presidential campaign. Since assuming office in early August, de la Espriella has joined the "Shield of the Americas", an anti-cartel alliance led by Trump, and has also expressed his intention to form a military alliance with the US and Israel to combat ongoing armed group conflicts.