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Diplomacy and reconstruction

Abelardo asks Trump to consider temporarily suspending tariffs

Editorial illustration for “Abelardo asks Trump to consider temporarily suspending tariffs”
Illustration éditoriale En Colombie

Updated August 15, 2026 at 3:50 p.m. Colombia time

President Abelardo de la Espriella said on August 15 that he spoke with Donald Trump for ten minutes. He says he thanked him for US assistance and asked him to consider temporarily suspending tariffs affecting Colombian products.

An exchange described by the Colombian president

According to Abelardo de la Espriella, the call lasted ten minutes. He attributes condolences and a message of solidarity with earthquake victims to Donald Trump.

Thanks for US assistance

The Colombian president says he thanked the United States for economic aid and for the presence of US rescue teams. The post gives no new aid amount.

A request tied to affected businesses

He says he asked for consideration of a temporary suspension of high tariffs affecting Colombian products, with the stated aim of easing conditions for businesses hit by the earthquake.

No tariff decision announced

At publication time, no US decision or separate White House confirmation had been found. The request should therefore not be presented as accepted or implemented.

Sources and transparency