WASHINGTON/BOGOTA, Jan 27 (Alliance News): The United States and Colombia narrowly averted a trade war on Sunday after Colombia agreed to accept deported migrants via US military aircraft, following threats of severe penalties from Washington.
The White House announced late Sunday that Colombia had agreed to “unrestricted acceptance” of illegal migrants deported from the US, including their transport on US military planes.
This concession prevented President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs, sanctions, and other punitive measures.
Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed the resolution, stating that Colombia was prepared to facilitate the return of its citizens.
The agreement follows an earlier rejection by Colombia, sparking tensions between the two allies.
Draft penalties, held in reserve, included a 25% tariff on Colombian imports to the US, escalating to 50% within a week, along with visa restrictions on Colombian officials, financial sanctions, and intensified border inspections.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro had previously criticized the deportation of migrants on military aircraft, denouncing the move as degrading and pledging that deportees would be welcomed on civilian planes with dignity.
The United States is Colombia’s largest trading partner, while Colombia ranks as the third largest US trading partner in Latin America. The resolution underscores the significance of preserving the economic and diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Trump’s broader immigration crackdown includes deploying the US military for border security and restricting asylum and citizenship eligibility, with further tariffs on Mexico and Canada under consideration to address immigration and drug trafficking issues.