Kathmandu— Following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that killed at least 294 people and damaged tens of thousands of buildings, the president of Colombia has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for temporary suspension of recently increased tariffs on Colombian products. President Abelardo de la Espriella made the request during a conversation with Trump on Saturday, citing the immense challenge of rebuilding the country while facing economic hardship. The earthquake struck Monday and reconstruction is estimated to cost around $6.4 billion, but Colombia was already contending with U.S. tariffs that rose in late July from 10 percent to 12.5 percent.

Earthquake Devastation

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least 294 confirmed fatalities and widespread damage across the nation. According to Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, tens of thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed by the quake. The scale of destruction presents a significant challenge for the country as it begins the long process of recovery.

Tariff Concerns

The request for tariff relief comes after the U.S. increased tariffs on Colombian products to 12.5 percent in late July, with exceptions made for coffee and oil. The United States represents Colombia’s largest export market, making the tariffs a significant economic concern as the country attempts to rebuild. President de la Espriella described his conversation with President Trump as “very friendly and cordial,” stating he explained the difficulties of rebuilding amid an already challenging economic situation.

Economic Reconstruction Plans

Colombia’s Finance Minister Miguel Gomez has indicated that the government is not currently considering raising taxes to fund the estimated $6.4 billion in reconstruction costs, according to local media reports. The White House recently announced renewed tariffs targeting numerous U.S. trading partners – including Colombia – citing concerns over anti-forced labor measures. These new tariffs were implemented shortly after a legal setback regarding previously imposed “Liberation Day” tariffs.

Shifting Alliances

President de la Espriella received an endorsement from Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, which culminated in a narrow victory over leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda in June. Since taking office in early August, de la Espriella has aligned Colombia with the “Shield of the Americas,” an anti-cartel alliance led by President Trump and involving several South American nations. He also intends to pursue a military alliance with both the U.S. and Israel to address ongoing conflicts with armed groups within Colombia.

Colombian officials are awaiting a response from the White House regarding the request for temporary tariff suspension, as assessment of the full extent of earthquake damage continues.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.