Colombia asks Trump to suspend tariffs for earthquake recovery

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian goods, arguing that the economic relief is necessary as the country grapples with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake. The request came during a phone call between the two leaders, following the 7.4-magnitude quake that struck western Colombia on August 10, killing at least 289 people.

De la Espriella, who took office just days before the disaster, said he spoke with Trump for approximately 10 minutes on August 15. The Colombian president thanked Trump for U.S. aid and expressed appreciation for condolences offered over the lives lost. He then formally requested the suspension of what he described as high tariffs affecting Colombian products to provide relief to business owners facing severe economic hardship due to the earthquake. The Trump administration has not yet publicly responded to the request.

The U.S. has pledged a total of $26.5 million in earthquake assistance, including food, shelters, and health supplies, according to the State Department. Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue on the ground. The earthquake’s epicenter was in Chocó, one of...