Colombia's new president asks Trump to suspend tariffs after deadly earthquake

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has formally requested that U.S. President Donald Trump suspend existing tariffs on Colombian goods. The appeal follows a devastating earthquake in western Colombia that has resulted in at least 300 confirmed fatalities, particularly impacting the city of Cali. The administration is seeking economic relief to assist the country as it manages the aftermath of the disaster.

Prior to the earthquake, trade relations between the two nations had been strained by a recent increase in U.S. tariffs on Colombian products, which rose from 10 percent to 12.5 percent in late July. The president’s request aims to alleviate financial pressure on the nation while it focuses on recovery efforts in the affected regions.