Trade war: US sterns warning to Colombia over auto export rules

The White House has threatened Colombia over new car safety rules that could block U.S. auto exports.

According to reports, U.S. officials say the regulations may harm trade and violate existing agreements between both nations.

Colombia plans to enforce new technical standards for cars, including brakes, seatbelts, tires, and windows.

These standards align with United Nations safety protocols, Colombia’s government has said.

However, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer raised concerns in a letter dated April 11, 2025

The letter warned Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce against implementing third-party certification requirements.

Greer said these rules could halt nearly $700 million worth of U.S. auto exports to Colombia.

He described the move as an unfair trading practice that may trigger swift U.S. enforcement actions.

The letter was leaked Tuesday to Colombian media and later obtained by The Associated Press.

Colombian Minister of Commerce, Cielo Rusinque, declined direct comment on the letter.

She told a local radio station the safety rules would be reviewed during upcoming trade talks.

Both nations are expected to meet this month to discuss recent tariff tensions.

Earlier this month, Trump imposed 10% tariffs on Colombian exports, including coffee, avocados, flowers, and oil.

Colombia had previously refused deportation flights from the U.S., sparking a short-lived trade standoff in January.

President Gustavo Petro cited concerns over inhumane treatment of Colombian deportees aboard U.S. flights.

Trump responded by threatening 25% tariffs on key Colombian exports.

Petro reversed the deportation ban within 24 hours to avoid trade penalties.

Most deportation flights are now operated by Colombia’s Air Force, under new bilateral arrangements.

The U.S. remains Colombia’s top trade partner, buying around 30% of its exports annually.

In 2024, the U.S. posted a $1.3 billion trade surplus with Colombia.

Colombia now wants to start negotiations to resolve the new tariff challenges.

Its government recently sent letters to U.S. officials proposing formal talks on the issue.

The U.S. argues that American cars already meet federal motor safety standards.

Officials say Colombia hasn’t proven those standards to be insufficient or unsafe.

U.S. manufacturers claim they lack capacity for additional third-party certification requirements.

Washington insists Colombia’s new rule could unfairly disrupt the flow of U.S. auto exports.

The ongoing dispute threatens to destabilize trade ties established under the 2012 Free Trade Agreement.

That agreement also boosted Colombian imports of American corn, soy, chemicals, and machinery.

Diplomatic tensions continue as both countries prepare for delicate trade talks in the coming weeks.

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