Colombia Resumes Thermal Coal Shipments to Israel Following Presidential Change

Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has reversed the previous administration's decision to halt thermal coal exports to Israel. The former president, Gustavo Petro, stopped coal shipments in 2024 due to the Gaza conflict and Colombia's policy towards Israel. De la Espriella criticized this move as ideological and harmful to Colombia's economy, employment, and state revenues. He emphasized that resuming coal exports aims to end past ideological vetoes and restrictions that undermined Colombia's economic stability, legal certainty, and international trust.

Israel was once a major importer of Colombian coal, purchasing hundreds of millions of dollars worth annually. With the lifting of restrictions, trade between the two countries is expected to revive. De la Espriella stated his government intends to steer Colombia back on course through economic decisions, fiscal discipline, and reducing ideological influence on international trade relations.

This decision follows a series of steps by the Colombian government to strengthen ties with Israel, including fully restoring diplomatic relations, appointing ambassadors, relocating Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem, abolishing visa requirements, reinstating a free trade agreement, withdrawing from South Africa's ICJ lawsuit against Israel, and agreeing to deepen political, security, and economic cooperation.