On August 15, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella requested during a telephone conversation with American leader Donald Trump that the United States temporarily suspend customs duties on Colombian goods.
“I also asked him to consider temporarily suspending the high duties affecting Colombian products in order to help our entrepreneurs who are going through very difficult times due to the effects of the earthquake,” de la Espriella stated on his social media account.
The call lasted approximately 10 minutes and occurred under “very friendly and cordial” conditions. President de la Espriella thanked the U.S. for financial assistance and support from rescue teams deployed to the disaster region. Trump responded by expressing condolences to families of earthquake victims and offering solidarity with Colombians.
In his social media post, de la Espriella described Colombia’s severe economic challenges: the nation requires extensive rebuilding amid an “apocalyptic” situation. He emphasized that the alliance with the United States is more critical than ever for recovery efforts.
The most powerful earthquake in decades struck Colombia on August 10, registering a magnitude of 7.4 according to seismologists. Colombian authorities declared a national emergency following the event, which has resulted in at least 281 fatalities and nearly 4,000 injuries.
