Colombia accepts US deportation flights, staving off 25% tariff on key exports

A potential trade war between the United States and Colombia was narrowly avoided on January 26, after Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights from the US.

The agreement came after a day of escalating tensions, following President Donald Trump's announcement of steep tariffs and visa restrictions on Colombia after the South American country refused to allow two US deportation flights to land, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro had initially refused to allow planes carrying Colombian migrants to enter the country, citing his decision to turn away US military flights. This prompted President Trump to retaliate by announcing a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports and a travel ban on Colombian government officials and their supporters. The US State Department also suspended visa issuance for Colombian citizens.

The tariffs, which would have hit Colombia’s flower industry – a key export to the US – especially hard ahead of the Valentine’s Day season, sparked immediate concern. Coffee prices could also have risen in the US, given Colombia’s prominent role as a coffee exporter.

However, late January 26, the White House confirmed that Colombia had agreed to Trump’s demands, including allowing US military aircraft to deport Colombians back to their home country. The visa suspension remains in effect until the first deportation flight is accepted, and tariffs are held in reserve should Colombia not uphold the deal.

In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared that the US "will fiercely protect our nation’s sovereignty" and expects full cooperation from other nations in handling the deportation of their citizens. Colombia’s Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed that high-level talks would follow the agreement, emphasizing that deportees would be treated with dignity upon their return.

The crisis between the two nations was a diplomatic surprise, with Washington and Bogotá having long maintained an agreement allowing regular deportation flights. The initial refusal to accept the flights, involving US military C-17s, caught officials off guard, raising the stakes as both leaders exchanged sharp rhetoric on social media.

While tensions have eased for now, the stand-off revealed deep political divides. Petro’s refusal to accept the flights and Trump’s aggressive stance exposed a personal diplomatic clash, underscoring Colombia’s complex relationship with the US. As both nations seek to move forward, experts warn of the economic consequences of such disruptions, particularly for Colombia’s vulnerable agricultural sectors.

By Aghakazim Guliyev