The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, announced this Tuesday that his US counterpart, Donald Trump, agreed to mediate in the growing trade dispute between Bogota and Quito, which has strained bilateral relations after the imposition of reciprocal tariffs of 30%.

The crisis erupted after the president Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa criticized Colombia for its response to drug trafficking on their shared border, prompting Quito to impose high tariffs on Colombian exports. In retaliation, Colombia adopted similar measures, affecting key sectors in both countries. During his first direct meeting with Trump at the White House, Petro requested US support to overcome the confrontation with Noboa and restore regional cooperation. According to the Colombian leader, Trump responded that he was willing to communicate with the Ecuadorian president to move toward a negotiated solution. Petro described the meeting with Trump as frank and productive, in an attempt to put behind him months of tensions that included public criticism and US sanctions over security and drug trafficking issues. The Colombian president also emphasized that mediation could help rebuild strategic alliances that he considers fundamental for regional stability. The trade dispute has generated protests from truckers and merchants at border crossings, where it is argued that tariffs have increased the cost of exchanging goods and jeopardize the local economy. Although Trump's intervention has been welcomed by Bogota, a date and specific format for the trilateral talks between the United States, Colombia, and Ecuador have not yet been announced. The expectation is that effective mediation will reduce trade barriers and restore cooperation on security issues and the fight against drug trafficking.