Mon Jan 27 14:14:47 UTC 2025: ## Trump Threatens Colombia with Tariffs Over Deportation Dispute; Trade War Averted

**Bogota, Colombia/Washington D.C. -** A potential trade war between the United States and Colombia was narrowly averted Sunday after a heated exchange between former US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro over deportation flights.

The conflict began when Colombia refused to accept two US military aircraft carrying deported Colombian citizens, prompting Trump to threaten significant tariffs and sanctions on Colombian goods. Petro criticized the US’s treatment of the deportees, sharing a video showing restrained individuals, and offered to send a Colombian presidential plane instead.

Trump, responding via his Truth Social platform, accused Petro of jeopardizing US security and violating legal obligations. He threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Colombian imports, escalating to 50 percent the following week, along with visa sanctions and travel bans on Colombian officials and their families. Petro retorted with similar tariff threats.

The escalating tensions threatened billions of dollars in bilateral trade. The US imports significant quantities of Colombian goods, including cut flowers (two-thirds of US imports), coffee, and crude petroleum. A trade war would have severely impacted both economies, particularly Colombia, which relies heavily on US trade. Experts warned of job losses and economic instability in Colombia.

However, the standoff ended late Sunday. Colombia agreed to accept the deportees, using a presidential plane, and the US subsequently withdrew its tariff threats. Both sides claimed victory, with Colombia’s Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo stating that the impasse was resolved and that diplomatic dialogue would continue. The White House confirmed Colombia’s agreement to accept all deported citizens without limitation.

This incident marks a significant escalation in rhetoric surrounding US deportation practices and highlights the potential consequences of trade disputes between major economic partners. While a trade war was avoided this time, it underscores the ongoing tensions between the US and some Latin American countries over immigration policy.

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