Give Some Relief: Colombia Asks Trump To Suspend Tariffs After Earthquake

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked US President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian goods as the country struggles to recover from a deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake.

De la Espriella said he spoke with Trump for about 10 minutes on Saturday and thanked him for US help with rescue and relief efforts. He said Trump expressed condolences for those killed and showed solidarity with affected Colombian families during the call. The Colombian president described the conversation as friendly and cordial.

De la Espriella also asked Trump to suspend the tariffs to help Colombian businesses dealing with losses caused by the disaster.

“I asked him to consider temporarily suspending the high tariffs that are affecting Colombian products, in order to give some relief to our business owners,” he said on X.

US tariffs on Colombian products rose from 10 percent to 12.5 percent in late July, with some exceptions, including coffee and oil. Trump has not publicly agreed to suspend the tariffs, and there was no immediate announcement from his administration on the request.

The request comes as the two leaders have close political ties. Trump backed De la Espriella during Colombia's presidential election, which was decided in a June 21 runoff. The Colombian president took office only days before the earthquake.

The quake struck western Colombia on August 10, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in Chocó. It caused major damage in Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and other areas. Latest reports put the death toll at around 290, with more than 140 people missing and about 4,200 injured. More than 14,700 homes have been destroyed and over 81,500 damaged.

The US has offered $26.5 million in aid, including food, shelter and health supplies. The World Bank has released $200 million for emergency response, while the European Union has also provided emergency assistance.

Colombian businesses and wealthy families have also pledged millions for rebuilding. Billionaire Jaime Gilinski has pledged about $47.75 million, while the Santo Domingo family has promised $32 million.

Rescuers continue to search collapsed buildings, although hopes of finding survivors are fading. In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder said teams were still searching areas where people could be trapped.

“Miracles do happen,” Eder said.