Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans to renegotiate the country’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States, further straining relations after Washington revoked his visa. Petro also indicated he may move to terminate Colombia’s trade accord with Israel.
Speaking during a televised cabinet meeting on Monday, Petro framed his push to amend the US FTA on environmental grounds. “Machinery that emits CO2 must pay tariffs, whether it comes from the US, China, or India,” he said. “If the US has already changed the FTA, why don’t we? Trade is not above life.” Any modifications to the agreement would require approval from Colombia’s congress.
Earlier Monday, Colombia’s finance minister, foreign minister, and other top officials announced they would renounce their US visas following the State Department’s cancellation of Petro’s permit. The move came after Washington accused Petro of “reckless and incendiary” behavior at last week’s UN General Assembly, where he urged US soldiers to disobey orders from former President Donald Trump.
While trade with China has grown across South America, the United States remains Colombia’s largest trading partner. The Andean nation shipped roughly 30% of its $50 billion in exports to the US last year. Petro previously called for renegotiating the US trade pact in 2023, signaling that the move reflects a continuation of his administration’s trade and environmental policies.
