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Colombia Agrees to US Deportation Flights, Avoids Looming Trade War with Tariff Threats
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Colombia Agrees to US Deportation Flights, Avoids Looming Trade War with Tariff Threats

Jan 27, 2025

A potential trade war between the United States and Colombia has been averted after Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights carrying migrants from the US. This development followed President Gustavo Petro’s decision to bar US military planes carrying deported Colombians from landing in the Andean nation.

US-Colombia Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

The situation quickly escalated on Sunday when former President Donald Trump threatened to impose punitive tariffs on Colombian exports if the country refused to comply. Petro responded by threatening retaliatory tariffs on US goods, further straining ties between the historically allied nations.

Despite Petro’s initial resistance, including an offer to use Colombia’s presidential plane to transport deportees, the White House confirmed that Colombia had agreed to accept deported migrants “without limitation or delay.”

Colombia’s Concerns Over Deportation Procedures

Petro’s objections centered on the use of military flights and the treatment of deported migrants. He cited reports showing migrants being handcuffed and restrained during flights, which he called undignified.

Trade and Economic Implications

Trump’s proposed tariffs, which included a 25% duty on all Colombian goods, threatened to disrupt $53.5 billion in trade between the two nations. Colombia’s main exports to the US—oil, coffee, and cut flowers—faced significant risks.

Resolution and Future Measures

Colombia’s Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo later announced that the dispute had been resolved, with Colombia agreeing to accept deportees. However, the US visa restrictions on Colombian officials remain in effect until the first deportation flight lands.

This row marks a tense moment in US-Colombia relations, underscoring the challenges of balancing immigration policies and international diplomacy.

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