Colombia flower trade in focus in Trump tariff clash

U.S. President Donald Trump has won the first tariff war - against Colombia.

Trump threatened to impose an emergency 25 percent tariff on all goods coming into the United States from Colombia. "In one week, the 25 percent tariffs will be raised to 50 percent," Trump posted on TruthSocial.

The reason - two repatriation flights from the United States with a large number of illegal criminals were not allowed to land in Colombia. "This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people. Petro’s denial of these flights has jeopardised the national security and public safety of the United States."

Trump also warned of a travel ban and immediate visa revocations on the Colombian government officials, and all allies and supporters. Enhanced customs and border protection inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo on national security grounds were also proposed to be imposed by Trump.

After the initial posturing of defiance, Colombian President Petro relented, and allowed the entry of planes with deportees from the United States.

"The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump's terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay," Karoline Leavitt, Press Secretary, White House said in a statement, CBS News reported.

"Based on this agreement, the fully drafted tariffs and sanctions will be held in reserve, and not signed, unless Colombia fails to honor this agreement."

Colombia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement added the country had overcome the impasse with the U.S., and said its foreign minister and ambassador would travel to Washington, D.C. in the next few hours to continue discussing the agreement.

"We will continue to receive Colombians who return as deportees, guaranteeing them dignified conditions, as citizens subject to rights," the Foreign Ministry said.

Flower exports to U.S.
Colombia exported almost 80 percent of its flower exports - around $1.5 billion - in 2023 to the U.S., and the threat, if executed, could have had a serious impact on Valentine's Day and Mother's Day celebrations.

Colombia's overall exports in 2023 totalled $49 billion, and the U.S. accounted for 28 percent share (over $14 billion).

LATAM Cargo had transported nearly 25,000 tonnes of flowers in 21 days from Colombia and Ecuador in 2024, a 36 percent increase from 2023.

"From Colombia, close to 13,000 tonnes of flowers, including roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums, were sent from the departments of Antioquia and Cundinamarca in over 220 flights, reflecting a 19 percent growth compared to Valentine's Day 2023."

Avianca Cargo announced the close of its Mother's Day season in 2024 with the transportation of more than 400 million flower stems, representing close to 18,000 tonnes of cargo, on some 300 flights from Colombia and Ecuador to the United States.

"More than 14,000 tonnes were transported from Colombia, once again positioning the cargo airline as the national leader in the transportation of flowers to the United States."

So, is this the start of the Trump tariffs story? Time to watch and observe....