Colombia asks Trump for tariff relief after deadly quake

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked US President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian goods, as the country begins a massive reconstruction after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that killed at least 294 people. The appeal came in a phone call described by de la Espriella as "very friendly and cordial", National Herald India reports.

US tariffs on Colombian products rose from 10% to 12.5% in late July, excluding coffee and oil. The United States is Colombia's largest export market. Finance Minister Miguel Gomez said the government is not yet considering tax increases despite an estimated $6.4 billion reconstruction requirement.

The request follows Washington's renewed duties linked to anti-forced-labour enforcement. Relations between the two governments have warmed since de la Espriella took office in August, with Colombia joining a Trump-backed anti-cartel alliance. The president now seeks to turn political rapport into economic relief.