US and Colombia impose mutual tariffs amid tensions over deportee flights

• Mutual imposition of tariffs.
• Agreement between Colombia and the US.
• Visa restrictions.

The United States and Colombia are the protagonists of a new diplomatic tension after the decision of both countries to impose mutual tariffs.

The conflict arose after Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected the arrival of US military flights with deported migrants.

Donald Trump responded by announcing economic sanctions, visa restrictions and 25% tariffs on Colombian products, which could rise to 50%.

Petro justified his decision by considering that military flights with deportees are a lack of respect for human rights.

Economic sanctions after conflict

On social networks, the Colombian president expressed that he will not allow migrants to be treated as criminals.

To ensure decent conditions, Petro ordered the Colombian presidential plane to transport deportees instead of accepting military flights.

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Trump accused Colombia of violating its legal obligations and assured that this action endangers the national security of the United States.

Through his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that these reprisals are just the beginning of a series of measures against the Colombian government.

Colombia has received 124 deportation flights from the United States in 2024, ranking fifth behind Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador.

President Petro presented a firm position: “Colombia respects itself,” and assured that he will not allow the entry of military flights without protocols that guarantee dignity to migrants.

Trump, for his part, implemented immediate sanctions against Colombian government officials and allies, including travel bans and visa revocations.

These measures will also include stricter customs inspections for all Colombians, according to Trump’s statements.

Petro stated that, if tariffs are raised to 50%, Colombia will respond with a 25% increase in taxes on US imports.

The Colombian president urged to strengthen national production to replace US products affected by the new tariffs.

In contrast, former Colombian president Iván Duque described Petro’s decision as irresponsible and warned of the economic repercussions.

Duque maintained that this act could harm the commercial and diplomatic relationship between both countries.

For his part, Ernesto Samper, also former Colombian president, supported Petro and denounced Trump’s «inhumane» treatment of migrants.

Colombia is the fourth largest oil supplier to the United States, exporting around 209,000 barrels per day in 2023.

However, the impact of tariffs on the energy sector could be limited due to the United States’ growing energy independence.

The United States has increased the use of military aircraft for deportations within the framework of Trump’s policies against illegal immigration.

The rejection of these flights has generated criticism from human rights groups, which denounce degrading conditions during deportations.

Petro’s stance reflects a shift in Colombia’s immigration policy, which had traditionally been more accommodating to the demands of the United States.

Analysts point out that this crisis could complicate bilateral relations and trade, affecting key products such as coffee, flowers and Colombian textiles.

The United States has not issued official comments on the controversy or on deportation protocols.

The conflict highlights the challenges of international cooperation on issues such as migration and trade.

Colombia and the United States have been historical allies in the hemisphere, but this episode marks a turning point in their relationship.

Petro’s position seeks to vindicate the sovereignty of Colombia and guarantee respect for the rights of its citizens.

Meanwhile, the economic and political impact of these measures will be closely monitored in both countries.

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