Colombia’s President Seeks Trump’s Help on Tariffs Following Devastating Earthquake

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for a temporary suspension of tariffs on Colombian goods to support the nation’s recovery from a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The request comes as the South American country grapples with widespread destruction from the disaster that struck early Monday, claiming at least 289 lives.

De la Espriella, who took office earlier this month and received Trump’s backing during Colombia’s closely fought presidential runoff on June 21, said Saturday he spoke directly with Trump about the tariff relief. He expressed gratitude for U.S. aid while noting the need for trade relief, stating he “asked him to consider the temporary suspension of the high tariffs that affect Colombian products, in order to provide relief to our businesspeople.”

The Trump administration has not yet responded to the tariff request. The United States has committed $26.5 million in earthquake assistance, encompassing food, temporary shelters and medical supplies, according to the State Department.

The earthquake devastated western Colombian cities including Pereira, Cali and Quibdo, with coastal regions experiencing particularly severe damage. The government reported 143 people missing, though independent databases suggest the figure may reach into the thousands, while 3,937 remain injured and over 96,000 homes were either destroyed or damaged.

In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, rescue workers continued searching for more than 70 missing residents despite the critical 48-to-72-hour survival window having passed. Mayor Alejandro Eder said efforts persist in areas where victims are believed trapped, stating “miracles do happen” more than 120 hours after the quake struck.