The White House is pressuring Colombia to halt new auto safety regulations that could block nearly $700 million in U.S. car exports, warning of swift trade enforcement if the changes move forward.
In a letter dated April 11 and obtained by The Associated Press, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urged Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce to withdraw plans that would require third-party certification for vehicles and auto parts. The proposed regulations, aligned with international United Nations safety standards, would affect components like brakes, tires, windows, and seatbelts. Greer warned the move could result in the “total cessation” of U.S. automotive exports to Colombia, calling the proposal an “unfair trading practice.”
On Tuesday, Colombian media leaked the letter as tensions rise before a scheduled meeting between both countries later this month. The meeting will address new tariffs that the U.S. has imposed on Colombian products, including coffee, flowers, avocados, and oil.
Colombia’s Minister of Commerce, Cielo Rusinque, declined to comment directly on the letter but confirmed in a radio interview that the auto regulations would be among the issues discussed during the upcoming talks. Since 2021, Colombia has worked to implement international safety protocols for vehicles, requiring manufacturers to certify compliance through independent verification — a process U.S. automakers say is costly and redundant.
The U.S. argues its federal safety standards are already rigorous and globally recognized. In a recent report on trade barriers, U.S. officials noted that American manufacturers have limited capacity to obtain additional certification.
The dispute adds to growing economic tensions between the two allies. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump imposed 10% tariffs on Colombian exports under new emergency trade measures. Colombia, which relies on the U.S. for 30% of its total exports, responded by requesting formal negotiations.
Earlier this year, President Gustavo Petro strained trade relations by temporarily halting U.S. deportation flights. In response, Trump threatened a 25% tariff, but the two sides reached a deal within 24 hours. Now, Colombia’s Air Force operates most deportation flights.
Despite past tensions, the U.S.–Colombia trade relationship remains significant. The nations signed a free trade agreement in 2012, boosting Colombia’s imports of U.S. goods such as corn, soy, chemicals, and machinery. In 2024, the U.S. posted a $1.3 billion trade surplus with Colombia.
