By Zoila Palma: Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian products as the South American nation struggles to recover from a powerful earthquake that has killed at least 289 people.
De la Espriella, who took office earlier this month, said the tariff relief would help businesses affected by the disaster.
The president said he spoke with Trump on Saturday and thanked him for U.S. assistance following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
He said he asked the U.S. leader to consider temporarily suspending the tariffs to provide relief to Colombian businesses facing difficult economic conditions following the disaster.
The Trump administration had not immediately responded to the request, AP reports.
The United States has committed $26.5 million in emergency assistance, including food, shelter and medical supplies, according to the U.S. State Department.
The earthquake struck western Colombia last Monday, severely affecting cities including Pereira, Cali and Quibdó, with communities along the Pacific coast suffering some of the heaviest damage. The government has declared the disaster a national emergency.
The post International News: Colombian President asks Trump to suspend tariffs as earthquake recovery efforts continue appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian products as the South American nation struggles to recover from a powerful earthquake that has killed at least 289 people. De la Espriella, who took office earlier this month, said the tariff relief would
The post International News: Colombian President asks Trump to suspend tariffs as earthquake recovery efforts continue appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
