# Trump May Lift 12.5% Colombia Tariff

> Trump hints at removing 12.5% US tariff on Colombian goods due to friendship with president.
- Title: Trump May Lift 12.5% Colombia Tariff · The Rio Times
- Summary: Trump hints at removing 12.5% US tariff on Colombian goods due to friendship with president. Trump said he may lift a 12.5% tariff on Colombian goods by…
- Keywords: trump, colombia, tariff, colombian president, us trade, section 301, forced labor, flowers, apparel, processed foods, news, world
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/trump-may-lift-colombia-tariff-2026
- Author: Contributing Reporter
- Published: 2026-10-13T18:14:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: trump, colombia, tariff, colombian president, us trade, section 301, forced labor, flowers, apparel, processed foods, news, world
## Trump's Tariff Comment
President Donald Trump said on Monday, 12 October, he may remove the extra 12.5% Colombia tariff on some goods.

> Puede que lo haga
## Tariff Background
The 12.5% duty was imposed on 23 July under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 for missing forced labor import bans.
## Affected Goods
Flowers, apparel, processed foods, chocolates, confectionery and cosmetics pay the extra duty while coffee, oil and gold are exempt.
## Trump's Reason
Trump tied the possible move to his friendship with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who replaced Gustavo Petro.
## Trade Impact
US importers pay the tariff at the border, and shoppers buying Colombian roses and clothing face higher prices.
## Recent Diplomatic Shift
De la Espriella asked Trump to suspend tariffs after an earthquake in August, and relations have warmed since.
## What's Next
Any change would come through a USTR modification or presidential order, with exporters watching the Federal Register.
## No Formal Action
No executive order, date or trade notice has been cited to lift the tariff, and goods still pay 12.5%.
## Tariff Details
Colombia landed in the 12.5% group after USTR investigated 60 economies for forced labor import bans.
## Exempt Products
Coffee, oil, gold, bananas, avocados and certain sugars are exempt from the Colombia tariff.
## Key takeaway

Trump said he may lift a 12.5% tariff on Colombian goods by removing the extra duty for flowers, apparel and processed foods.