Colombian Leader Implores Trump for Tariff Relief Following Earthquake

One week after a high-magnitude earthquake shook Colombia’s western region, the South American nation is still reeling from its impacts—and hoping for grace from President Donald Trump as it sets its sights on rebuilding.

Over the weekend, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella called upon the American Commander in Chief to ask that new 12.5 percent duties, levied in late July following a United States Trade Representative investigation into forced labor, be put on hold during the recovery process.

De la Espriella detailed a Saturday call with Trump in a post on X, saying, “I told him that we have a huge challenge ahead: rebuilding Colombia amid the extremely difficult and apocalyptic economic situation that I inherited.” The new president took office on Aug. 7.

“I also asked him to consider the temporary suspension of the high tariffs that affect Colombian products, in order to provide relief to our businesspeople, who are facing very difficult times due to the effects of the earthquake,” he added.

Calling the conversation “friendly and cordial,” the Colombian leader said he was grateful for the support of U.S. rescue teams following the 7.4-magnitude quake, which has now claimed the lives of more than 290 people. He declared a state of emergency last week following the earthquake, setting up an emergency fund dedicated to the rebuilding of hospitals, homes, schools and other infrastructure projects. U.S. State Department figures show the U.S. has provided $26.5 million in aid amid the natural disaster, which has gone toward food, shelter and medical supplies.

 “Today, more than ever, the alliance between Colombia and the United States is an imperative for the reconstruction of our beloved nation,” de la Espriella said.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, and its impacts were concentrated in the cities of Pereira, Cali and Manizales.

Cali in particular is known as a destination for apparel production, specializing in denim and sportswear. The Rio Times reported that Supertex, a Cali-based textile firm, produced Adidas’ official shirts for the Colombia national football team, crafting 900,000 units for the 2026 World Cup. Adidas praised the region for its expertise in sublimation printing.

According to  ProColombia, an arm of the government’s export agency, Cali is one of Colombia’s most important fashion-producing regions. Between January and May of this year, it accounted for 10.8 percent of Colombia’s fashion exports to all international destinations, ranking behind Antioquia, Bogotá and Atlántico as the 4th largest city for the sector. 

Colombia has been gaining traction as a destination for nearshore apparel sourcing by U.S. brands and retailers in recent years as the bilateral free trade agreement, the U.S.-Colombia TPA (USCTPA), eliminated duties on nearly all Colombia-originating products destined for the U.S. market, including apparel, with yarn-forward stipulations. Under USCTPA, U.S. yarns and fabrics also enter Colombia duty free, creating opportunity for U.S. textile mills.

ProColombia data shows that the U.S. represents the No. 1 destination for Colombian fashion exports. In 2025 alone, U.S. brands and retailers brought in $255.8 million in fashion products from the country.

Between January and May 2026, companies purchased $101.5 million in apparel products—about 11.2 percent less than the same period last year, “mainly due to tariffs, market conditions and the sector is being more conservative,” the group’s textiles and apparel sourcing representative, Sebastian Echavarria, told Sourcing Journal.