The United States has announced it will not impose tariffs on Colombia after the country agreed to accept deported migrants without restrictions, the White House said.
Former President Donald Trump had threatened 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods after Colombian President Gustavo Petro barred two US military deportation flights from landing on Sunday. Initially, Petro responded by stating that deportees would only be accepted on civilian planes and treated with dignity.
A White House statement confirmed that Colombia has now agreed to accept migrants arriving on US military aircraft “without limitation or delay.” Colombia, in turn, said the US had committed to treating repatriated citizens with respect and dignity.
The standoff began when Petro refused entry to US military deportation flights, demanding that migrants be returned “with dignity and respect.” In retaliation, Trump announced “urgent and decisive measures,” including tariffs, visa sanctions, and enhanced inspections at the border.
Petro responded defiantly on social media, celebrating Colombia’s resilience and declaring, “Your blockade does not scare me. Colombia, besides being the country of beauty, is the heart of the world.”
However, the disagreement was resolved within hours, with the White House stating that Colombia had agreed to “all of President Trump’s demands.”
Trump’s proposed tariffs had been prepared and remain on standby, to be implemented if Colombia fails to uphold its agreement. Visa sanctions and enhanced border inspections for Colombians will also remain in effect until the first military deportation flight is successfully completed, the White House added.
