President Trump on Sunday announced “emergency” tariffs on imports from Colombia, an early signal of how he might enact trade policy in the early days of his second term.
Trump on his Truth Social platform said he would place 25% tariffs on “all goods coming into the United States,” saying that would be lifted to 50% in one week. The trigger, Trump said, was Colombia’s refusal to let two repatriation flights from the U.S. land in Colombia. Colombian President Gustavo Petro acknowledged declining to receive the flights on social media.
In addition to the tariffs, Trump announced a range of measures targeting Colombian officials, including a travel ban. “These measures are just the beginning,” he wrote.
Sunday’s announcement offers a degree of insight into how Trump’s trade policy might unfurl in the days and weeks immediately following his inauguration. He has declared an intention to impose tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, but has yet to make formal announcements about those actions. Economists generally believe the widespread use of tariffs could increase the prices paid for imported goods, though there is less ultimate effect of such tariffs.
The U.S. had a $3.9 billion trade surplus with Colombia in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Trade Representative, with total goods and services trade topping $53 billion. Top imports from Colombia include crude oil, coffee and flowers, according to the State Department, while top exports include oil, corn, and electrical equipment and parts.