Colombia and the US Have Pulled Back from the Brink of a Trade War
Colombia has agreed to accept military aircraft carrying deported migrants, averting a potential trade war with the United States. The agreement was reached after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on the South American nation if it did not comply with his terms.
As part of the deal, Colombia will accept all illegal aliens from the US, including on US military aircraft, without limitation or delay. The US has also suspended draft orders imposing tariffs of 25% on Colombian goods, as well as travel bans and visa revocations on Colombian government officials.
The agreement comes after a tense standoff between the two countries, with Trump threatening to take action against Colombia for refusing to accept military flights carrying deportees. The US had also suspended visa processing at the US embassy in Bogota.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro had spoken out against the military deportation flights, comparing them to the actions of the Nazis. However, he did offer to welcome home deported migrants on civilian planes and offered his presidential plane to facilitate their return.
The deal is a significant diplomatic victory for the US, which had been seeking to increase pressure on countries to take back their citizens who are being deported from the US. It also helps to ease tensions between the two countries, which are significant trading partners.
As part of the deal, Colombia has agreed to accept the US’s terms on deportations, with the US in turn agreeing not to impose the threatened penalties. The deal is seen as a key step in implementing Trump’s immigration crackdown, which has included the construction of a border wall and increased border security measures.