Colombia Recalls Ambassador to US After Trump’s Tariff Threat and Drug Remarks

Post by : Saif Nasser

Bogotá: Relations between Colombia and the United States hit a new low on Monday after Colombian President Gustavo Petro recalled his country’s ambassador from Washington. The move came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Colombian goods and accused Petro of being a “drug leader.”

The Colombian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ambassador Daniel García-Peña had been called back to Bogotá for consultations. The ministry said further decisions would be announced soon.

Trump’s Comments Spark Diplomatic Tension

President Trump’s remarks were made on Sunday, when he said he would “cut off all payments” to Colombia and impose new tariffs. He also accused President Petro of being involved in drug activities — a statement that Colombia’s government described as “offensive and unacceptable.”

The dispute follows the U.S. military’s airstrikes in the Caribbean, which Washington claims targeted vessels used to transport illegal drugs. However, Colombian officials said the bombings killed innocent civilians and violated international law.

President Petro has strongly criticized the U.S. actions, saying that one of the attacked boats belonged to a “humble family” and not to any rebel or criminal group.

“Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been rude to the United States, but you are being rude and ignorant to Colombia,” Petro said in a message on X (formerly Twitter). “I am not a businessman or a drug trafficker. There is no greed in my heart.”

Economic Concerns Over Tariff Threat

The U.S. is Colombia’s largest trading partner, buying around 35% of the country’s exports and supplying 70% of its imports, according to the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, Colombia pays a 10% tariff on most exports to the United States — a rate already higher than many nations. An additional tariff increase could severely affect Colombia’s oil, coal, coffee, flower, and banana industries, which depend heavily on U.S. markets.

Colombia’s peso currency fell by 1.28% on Monday, closing at 3,883 pesos per U.S. dollar, as investors reacted to the growing diplomatic tension.

Uncertain Future for U.S.-Colombia Ties

Although President Trump said the new tariff details would be announced on Monday, no formal statement was issued by the White House by late evening.

Meanwhile, President Petro held a private meeting with John McNamara, the U.S. charge d’affaires in Bogotá, to discuss the crisis. No details of the talks were shared with the media.

In recent months, Petro has been trying to reduce coca cultivation — the main crop used to make cocaine — through a mix of social and military programs. But progress has been limited, and critics in Washington have accused his administration of being too soft on drug cartels.

Trump’s sharp criticism and the recall of the Colombian ambassador mark one of the most serious diplomatic confrontations between the two nations in recent years.

Trade and Investment at Risk

Between January and July 2025, Colombia recorded a $338 million trade deficit with the U.S., according to government data. American investors contributed $2.27 billion to Colombia during the first half of the year, making up 34% of all foreign investment in that period.

Experts warn that a trade conflict could harm both economies, especially Colombia’s exports and the thousands of jobs tied to U.S. business partnerships.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry said it would seek international support for President Petro and his call to defend Colombia’s sovereignty and independence in the face of U.S. pressure.