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Colombia President asks Trump for tariff suspension after deadly earthquake FAST-MOVING
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested that U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian products to provide economic relief following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake. During a 10-minute phone call, De la Espriella expressed gratitude for the $26.5 million in U.S. aid and the deployment of American rescue teams. The earthquake, which struck on August 10, has resulted in at least 294 deaths, 3,935 injuries, and 320 people missing, while destroying or damaging approximately 13,000 to 14,000 homes.
The request comes as U.S. tariffs on Colombian imports recently rose from 10% to 12.5%. De la Espriella noted that the country faces an “apocalyptic economic situation” and a massive reconstruction challenge, estimated to cost roughly $6.4 billion. Finance Minister Miguel Gomez indicated that the government is not currently considering tax increases to fund these efforts.
In addition to U.S. assistance, De la Espriella held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to thank Israel for its humanitarian aid and rescue teams. The administration's focus on allies like the U.S. and Israel has drawn criticism from domestic political opposition.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Benjamin Netanyahu · Colombia · Donald Trump · Miguel Goméz · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 15 SOURCES] President de la Espriella held a 10-minute phone call with Donald Trump. www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.aljazeera.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.diarioextra.com · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · +10 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Reconstruction costs following the earthquake are estimated at approximately $6.4 billion. www.aljazeera.com · ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 15 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella requested that Donald Trump temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian products. www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.aljazeera.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.diarioextra.com · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · +10 more
- [● 15 SOURCES] A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, resulting in at least 294 deaths. www.aljazeera.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.diarioextra.com · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · republica.com · +10 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The US provided $26.5 million in aid and sent rescue teams to Colombia. www.diarioextra.com · republica.com · noticiabrasil.net.br · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [● 5 SOURCES] Finance Minister Miguel Gomez stated the government is not currently considering tax increases to fund reconstruction. www.aljazeera.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · trinidadtribune.com
- [● 12 SOURCES] US tariffs on Colombian products increased from 10% to 12.5% in late July. www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.aljazeera.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.diarioextra.com · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · +7 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The earthquake destroyed or damaged nearly 13,000 to 14,000 homes. www.diarioextra.com · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · www.timesnownews.com