De la Espriella asks Washington to suspend tariffs as quake recovery costs mount
Colombia's president has made a formal appeal to the U.S. government for tariff relief, citing billions of dollars in earthquake damage to housing and infrastructure.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has formally asked the U.S. administration to suspend tariffs on Colombian exports as the country grapples with the economic fallout from last week's 7.4-magnitude earthquake. The request is framed as an emergency measure to ease pressure on affected sectors and help finance reconstruction.
The appeal comes as de la Espriella estimated total losses at around 30 trillion pesos, or roughly US$9.6 billion, with damage to buildings accounting for the largest share. The scale of destruction, spanning at least 15 departments and including major cities such as Cali and Pereira, has placed enormous strain on public finances.
The tariff suspension request reflects the new administration's effort to mobilize international support for what is shaping up to be one of the costliest natural disasters in Colombia's recent history. No response from Washington had been reported as of Tuesday morning.
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Reportado por El Paisa, nuestro corresponsal colombiano.
