In a turn of events, Colombia on late Sunday agreed to accept deported migrants without limitation or delay, according to the statement from the White House. This ends the spat with both president Donald Trump and Gustavo Petro that threaten to raise tariffs earlier.
Officials confirmed that tariffs and financial sanctions would be paused if Colombia honors the deal, but the visa sanction and stricter customs inspections on goods will remain until the first flight returns. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry stated its foreign minister and ambassador would soon travel to the US to discuss the agreement.
Tensions were rising just hours ago between the US and Colombia after the South American nation refused to accept US deportation flights. Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that deported migrants would only be accepted if they were transported via civilian planes and not treated as criminals.
US President Donald Trump, who has ordered the military to assist with an immigration crackdown, vowed retaliation. He announced plans to increase the 25% tariff on Colombian goods to 50%, impose a travel ban, visa revocations on government officials, and financial sanctions. On Truth Social, Trump wrote that the US will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations.
In response, Colombia threatened to impose a 50% tariff despite the US being its largest trading partner. In 2023, trade between the two nations amounted to $33.8 billion, with the US primarily importing crude oil, gold, coffee, and cut roses. Colombia also recorded a $1.6 billion trade surplus with the US, and experts have noted that approximately 4% of Colombia’s GDP relies on the US market.
Besides Colombia, the neighboring country, Mexico, also refused military aircraft land with deportees. Trump has not stated any action against Mexico but has considered imposing a 25% tariff on the nation and Canada. Meanwhile, another South American country, Brazil, had condemned the “degrading treatment” and sent its air force to retrieve the migrant home when the US flight made a stop at Amazonas.
