Colombia Avoids Trade War by Allowing US Deportation Flights

In a dramatic turn of events, Colombia's government has consented to allow U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants to land in the country, thus averting an impending trade war with the United States. This decision follows a heated exchange between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and the Trump administration, which had threatened punitive tariffs if Colombian airspace remained closed to repatriation flights. The diplomatic row began when Petro refused entry to two U.S. military planes carrying deportees, objecting to the treatment of migrants on such flights.

Petro’s stance prompted Trump to announce harsh economic sanctions, including 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods, as well as visa restrictions for Colombian officials. As the situation escalated on social media, with both leaders exchanging threats, Colombia's Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo intervened, announcing a resolution to the crisis. Ultimately, Colombia agreed to accept deportees without delay, appeasing the Trump administration and averting detrimental tariffs that could have affected trade relations significantly.

The trade dynamic between the two nations is pivotal, given the $53.5 billion worth of trade in 2022, primarily in key exports such as oil, coffee, and flowers. However, despite the agreement, U.S. visa restrictions remain in effect until the deportees’ return flights commence. The episode underscores the fragile relationship between the U.S. and Colombia, once seen as close allies in counter-narcotics efforts, highlighting the tensions that cloud diplomatic interactions in the current political climate.