- Trump announces 25% tariff on goods from Colombia
- This is in response to Colombia’s denying entry to two U.S. military deportation flights
- Trump warns tariff could go up to 50% by the end of the week
Donald Trump immediately implements his program against illegal migration and takes tough measures regarding the opposition to its support.
In particular, Colombia violated the relevant agreement, for which it immediately received a 25% tariff on goods shipped to the US. Trump warns that if Colombia does not adhere to the earlier agreement, the tariff could increase to 50% by the end of the week.
Trump’s Trade War Looks Like It Will Be Global
So, if we break down the events in order, we see a direct example of action and counteraction.
Initially, it seemed that an agreement was reached and Trump would not have to apply extra measures like sanctions and additional tariffs, and the deportation of undocumented Colombian citizens should go smoothly.
Colombian Foreign Affairs Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo said:
“The country will continue to receive Colombians deported, guaranteeing them dignified conditions as citizens subject to rights. The government, under the leadership of Gustavo Petro, has at its disposal the presidential plane to receive the Colombians that would have been deported today,” he continued on the brief livestream. Colombia reiterates that the diplomatic channels for interlocution will be open to maintain the rights, the national interest, and the dignity of our citizens.”
However, already Sunday Colombia denied entry to two U.S. military deportation flights.
And Colombian President Gustavo Petro said:
“The US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed out in a statement emailed to The Hill:
“The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay. Based on this agreement, the fully drafted IEEPA tariffs and sanctions will be held in reserve, and not signed, unless Colombia fails to honor this agreement. The visa sanctions issued by the State Department, and enhanced inspections from Customs and Border Protection, will remain in effect until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.”
Of course, since we are dealing with the Trump presidency, the discussion has expectedly moved from official responses to publications to social media posts.
The same day, Trump stated:
Besides tariffs, he threatened several other stringent measures:
- Emergency 25% tariffs on all goods coming into the United States. In one week, the 25% tariffs will be raised to 50%.
- A Travel Ban and immediate Visa Revocations on the Colombian Government Officials, and all Allies and Supporters.
- Visa Sanctions on all Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombian Government.
- Enhanced Customs and Border Protection Inspections of all Colombian Nationals and Cargo on national security grounds.
- IEEPA Treasury, Banking and Financial Sanctions to be fully imposed
It didn’t end there, and a series of social media posts followed. Notable among them was Gustavo Petro’s attempt to raise questions about Trump’s policies and, probably, make his voters doubt whose interests he is actually serving. After all, one way or another, these tariffs will have to be paid for. Particularly, basic goods like coffee, which is the second largest import to the U.S. from Colombia, will become more expensive for the average American.
It was also a symmetrical response that the biggest trade between the U.S. and Colombia is oil, and Gustavo Petro ordered the “foreign trade minister to raise import tariffs from the U.S. by 25%.”
Conclusion
While the policy on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is more unambiguous, this is an example of where Donald Trump’s emphatic policy raises concerns among his opponents and could be a serious cause for discussion.
However, it is too early to say what the consequences of such decisions will be, as the situation is still in an acute phase of development. Be aware and stay tuned.
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