Colombia avoids sanctions and ends the diplomatic crisis with the US by accepting an agreement on migration tension

Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump. Photo:Ppresidentica Colombia / Indie 505

Diplomatic agreement includes the acceptance of flights with deportees and guarantees bilateral cooperation.

The White House confirmed that Colombia has accepted the conditions imposed by President Donald Trump to avoid the application of severe trade sanctions.

This agreement occurs in a context of diplomatic tensions marked by the Colombian government’s initial refusal to receive repatriation flights for undocumented citizens.

According to the official statement issued by the US administration, Colombia accepted without restrictions the reception of Colombian citizens deported from the United States, including those transported on military aircraft.

The White House warned that the tariffs announced by Trump, of up to 50% on Colombian products, will not be implemented if Colombia complies with the agreed terms.

Provisional measures until the first return

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt noted that current restrictions, such as the suspension of visas issued by the State Department and reinforced inspections by border authorities, will remain in effect until the first flight with deportees successfully arrives in Colombia.

“President Trump is committed to defending our nation’s sovereignty and hopes that other countries will follow his example, cooperating fully in the repatriation of their citizens,” Leavitt concluded.

Before the agreement, Trump had announced a series of strong measures against Colombia, including the imposition of 25% tariffs that would increase to 50% within a week, stricter border inspections and financial sanctions. Additionally, the president revoked visas for senior Colombian government officials and their families.

These measures were justified by the “refusal” of the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, to accept flights of deportees that had been previously approved. In response, Petro announced a 25% reciprocal tariff on American products.

Colombia seeks to protect the rights of deportees

From the San Carlos Palace, the Colombian government announced that diplomatic tensions had been overcome after an exchange of diplomatic notes. Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed that the agreement guarantees decent conditions for deported Colombian citizens and that channels of dialogue will remain open to protect their rights.

“We will continue to receive Colombians who return as deportees, ensuring them decent conditions as citizens,” Murillo highlighted.

#ATTENTION | “We have overcome the impasse with the United States Government,” says Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo. pic.twitter.com/DtU7fKZ0ds

— W Radio Colombia (@WRadioColombia) January 27, 2025

The government also announced that the presidential plane will be available to facilitate the return of deportees and reiterated its commitment to maintaining active diplomacy to safeguard national interests.

official statement pic.twitter.com/VlTD49lsQs

— Colombian Foreign Ministry (@CancilleriaCol) January 27, 2025

A key business partner

The United States is Colombia’s main trading partner, with key exports such as refined oil, gold, coffee and flowers. Although Colombia ranks 23rd among U.S. trading partners, its role as a buyer of U.S. corn makes it an important economic ally.