The United States and Colombia narrowly avoided a trade war after reaching an agreement over the acceptance of deportees. The US had threatened to impose severe tariffs and sanctions on Colombia for its initial refusal to accept military flights carrying deported individuals. Colombia is a significant trading partner in Latin America, standing as the third largest for the US, which in turn is Colombia's largest trading partner.
The US had proposed imposing a 25% tariff on all Colombian goods entering the country, with a further increase to 50% within a week if the situation remained unresolved. Additionally, the US warned of a travel ban and visa revocations targeting Colombian government officials, alongside emergency treasury, banking, and financial sanctions. The US also suspended visa processing at its embassy in Bogota, escalating tensions further.
The dispute arose when Colombia rejected the arrival of military flights carrying deportees as part of the US immigration enforcement strategy. Colombian President Gustavo Petro openly condemned these military deportation flights, asserting his stance against enforced returns.
"We are the opposite of the Nazis."
— Colombian President Gustavo Petro
Despite the standoff, negotiations between the two nations progressed. On Sunday, they managed to pull back from the brink of a trade conflict. Colombia agreed to accept deported migrants on military aircraft, leading to the US retracting its punitive measures.
"We have overcome the impasse with the U.S. government."
— Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo
"The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump's terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay."
— The White House
In response to this resolution, President Donald Trump directed enhanced border inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo. This move reflects ongoing concerns about immigration and security, despite the easing of immediate trade tensions.