Colombia asks US to pause tariffs after 7.4 quake

Colombia has formally requested that the United States temporarily suspend newly increased tariffs on Colombian exports, after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that officials said left about 300 people dead and nearly 13,000 homes destroyed.

Authorities in Bogota presented the appeal as a short-term measure aimed at easing pressure on businesses facing immediate disruption from the disaster. The Colombian administration said the is to give local business owners more room to manage losses, operational interruptions, and recovery costs now emerging in affected areas.

Tariff rate increased to 12.5% on July 24

Officials said tariffs applied to most Colombian goods Officials said tariffs applied to most Colombian goods entering the United States rose from 10% to 12.5% on July 24. The increase followed the expiration of earlier global duty structures that had kept the prior tariff level in place. Colombia’s government argued that a temporary pause in the higher rate would provide targeted relief at a time when companies are absorbing earthquake-related damage and financing urgent restart and reconstruction needs. Officials framed the request as a way to protect near-term business continuity while recovery efforts begin. Leaders discussed the request, but no decision announced Presidential communications in Colombia confirmed that leaders from both countries have discussed the request. Officials said the issue has been raised at the highest political level, underscoring the urgency Bogota is attaching to near-term support for its export sector.

United States

On the US side, officials said the administration has acknowledged the humanitarian crisis. However, no formal commitment has been announced to change trade policy or revise the newly applied 12.5% tariff rate.

Trade planning remains exposed to the new rate

With no policy shift announced, officials said the outcome remains uncertain for both countries. The pending response was described as a key variable for regional trade stability and for the broader bilateral economic relationship between Colombia and the United States.

For Colombian exporters and domestic firms tied to cross-border supply chains, officials indicated that the timing and scope of any suspension could influence near-term cash flow management and pricing decisions. For US importers and buyers, the lack of clarity leaves contracting and planning exposed to the 12.5% rate unless a temporary change is agreed.

Authorities have not provided a timeline for a definitive US response. No details have been released on how long the suspension would last or what products it would cover beyond Colombia’s request that it be temporary.