Colombian President Asks Trump to Suspend Tariffs After Deadly Quake

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella asked US President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian products.

This request aims to aid Colombia's recovery from a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday morning, August 10. The earthquake devastated cities and towns across western Colombia, including Cali, Pereira, and Buenaventura. Official estimates on Sunday, August 16, put the death toll at around 290, with more than 140 people still missing and 4,200 injured.

Nearly 27,000 homes were destroyed, and the government estimates reconstruction costs at $3.2 billion. More than two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in Cali and Pereira. Rescue efforts continue, but hopes of finding survivors are dwindling nearly a week after the disaster. Emergency workers in Cali continued searching unstable rubble on Sunday, with Captain Alberto Hernandez of the Cali fire department stating there were no signs of life.

Aftershocks add danger for rescue crews and residents. Israel's "Alliance of Brothers" delegation, including IDF Home Front Command engineers, is assisting with search and rescue and assessing damaged buildings in western Colombia. Colombian billionaire banker Jaime Gilinski pledged 150 billion pesos ($47.75 million) to rebuild hospitals and schools in Cali, while the Santo Domingo family pledged $32 million on Friday.

President de la Espriella took office earlier this month, just days before the quake, and was endorsed by Trump in the June 21 presidential runoff. He posted on X on Saturday evening, August 15, thanking Trump for emergency assistance and making the tariff request. The Trump administration has not yet responded to de la Espriella's request.

The US State Department confirmed the United States pledged $26.5 million in emergency support, including health items, shelters, and food. President Trump's tariffs, covering nearly all US imports, are designed to be permanent and are based on existing US trade law. A trade economist believes consumers will bear the burden of these tariffs, which are unpopular. Trump has claimed foreigners pay for the tariffs, but US tariff invoices are sent to US businesses that import products.