Colombia’s president hits back at Trump with reciprocal tariffs on US
2 Min Read
Colombia's president was quick to respond to Trump's sanctions and tariffs, imposing reciprocal tariffs on US goods.
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Colombia's President Gustavo Petro waves during a ceremony marking the 8th anniversary of the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the FARC in Bogota, Colombia, on November 21, 2024. (AP)
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced reciprocal 25% tariffs on United States imports, in a tit-for-tat move, after refusing to receive Colombian immigrants in military jets.
Petro also slammed the latest sanctions and tariffs imposed on Colombia by US President Donald Trump after the country denied landing two United States military planes carrying immigrants.
In a post on X, Petro affirmed, "We have never refused to receive migrants and have tried to stop migration," adding, "But do not expect me to receive deportees from the US, handcuffed and in military planes."
"We are nobody's colony," declared Petro.
Earlier, Trump announced a 25% tariff on Colombian products, which will double in a week. He also revoked visas for Colombian government officials and "supporters" of President Gustavo Petro and vowed to subject Colombians to greater scrutiny at airports, intensifying his immigration crackdown.
Trump's move came after the Colombian president denounced the US approach, stating, "The US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals," and noted that there were 15,660 Americans with improper immigration status in the country.
Petro affirmed his country would welcome deported migrants back on civilian flights, asserting that they should be treated with decency.
On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suspended the issuance of US visas at its embassy in Colombia.
"Measures will continue until Colombia meets its obligations to accept the return of its own citizens," Rubio said in a statement.
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