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0% Tariff for Colombian Coffee, Flowers and Bananas in the U.S.

Written by Maria Paula Rodríguez | Oct 10, 2025 2:55:13 PM

Imagine Colombia's emblematic products -coffee, flowers, bananas- entering the U.S. with 0% tariffs. The idea is not science fiction: an executive order signed in early September 2025 enables reductions -even to zero- for goods that are not produced or are insufficiently produced in the U.S., within the framework of agreements and "aligned" partners. The opportunity is real, but it is not automatic: it requires negotiation, technical criteria and a country strategy that responds to the requirements and expectations of the trading partner.

This scenario represents a turning point for Colombian international trade, as it opens a way for exporters to access competitive advantages in the U.S. market, provided that the insufficiency of local production is demonstrated and the criteria of the standard are met. To take advantage of it, Colombia must promote commercial diplomacy, prepare supporting technical dossiers and structure agreements that guarantee the inclusion of these products in the exemption lists, thus consolidating the resilience and profitability of the export sector.

1) What exactly does the order say?

  • THE U.S. The US modified the "reciprocal tariff" regime created in April 2025, allowing exemptions or reduced tariffs (up to 0%) for certain items, subject to agreements and an annexed list that prioritizes products not produced or insufficient in the country.

  • In parallel, White House and press reports have indicated exemptions by sector (critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, aircraft parts) and adjustments according to progress on agreements (e.g., Japan/EU). It is not a "blank check": eligibility depends on the partner and the basket of products.

Practical translation: the U.S. opened a legal channel to lower tariffs -up to 0%-on certain goods from aligned partners, if there is reciprocal understanding and if those goods do not compete with sufficient local production.

2) What could this mean for Colombia (map of opportunities)?

Coffee: today the market is under strong tariff debate; some importers report rates of 10% for green and higher scenarios per country. A basket of exemptions could alleviate costs if Colombia qualifies as an aligned partner in specific items.

Flowers: there were tensions over tariffs in 2025; a negotiated 0% scheme would give oxygen to seasonal peaks (Valentine's/Mother's Day). Requires clear HS listing and eligibility.

Bananas: traditionally low base tariff in the U.S.; a guaranteed 0% would consolidate competitiveness vis-à-vis other origins (validation by HS 0803 and tariff note in force at the time of negotiation).

Minerals (gold, nickel): the official narrative mentions categories where there is not enough production in the US; Colombia could prioritize products with traceability and sustainability.

Note: Colombia already has an FTA with the USA (CTPA). The novelty does not replace the FTA: it complements it with a fast track to lower further tariffs on specific items if the criteria of the order are met.

3) What it is NOT (and why it is not automatic)

  • It isnot a generalized elimination for "all products". It is selective and conditional on reciprocal agreements.

  • It isnot unilateral: it requires diplomatic and technical management (list of items, evidence of "insufficiency" in the US, safeguards).

  • It can coexist with a volatile environment (new sectoral tariffs, investigations, litigation). Today, even the Supreme Court is reviewing the scope of certain tariffs.

4) What should Colombia do to take advantage of the 0% tariff window?

The U.S. executive order does not imply that Colombian products automatically enter with 0% tariff. It is an opportunity that requires negotiation and national strategy.

In simple terms: Colombia must prove that its products do not compete with U.S. production and, at the same time, offer something in return at the negotiating table.

The roadmap in 5 steps

  1. Define the priority basket Identify which products will be included in the benefit. Example: coffee, flowers, bananas and minerals such as gold or nickel, key for their economic weight and employment generation.
  2. Demonstrate "insufficiency" in the U.S. Present atechnical dossier with official data showing that these products are not produced, or are produced in insufficient quantities in the U.S. market.
  3. Build a reciprocal strategy The benefit is not unilateral. Colombia must state what it offers in exchange: clear rules of origin, technical cooperation or quality standards that strengthen the trade relationship.
  4. Align existing legal frameworks Integrate the Colombia-US FTA with the new trade order. withthe new executive order, ensuring that both instruments complement each other without contradictions.
  5. Put together a solid negotiating team Create a inter-institutional group with the Ministry of Commerce, Agriculture, Mines, Foreign Ministry, export unions and the embassy in Washington, with a clear mandate and defined deadlines to move forward quickly.

📌 In short: this opportunity will not materialize on its own. Colombia must act in a coordinated and technical manner, to turn the possibility of a 0% tariff into a concrete achievement for its exporters.

5) Checklist for exporting companies and trade associations

  • Classify your product well (HS-10) and prepare technical data sheets (origin, seasonality, value).

  • Calculate the price impact of a 0% tariff vs. the current tariff (scenarios).

  • Review contracts (incoterms, tariff pass-through, review clauses).

  • Reinforces compliance (traceability, sustainability, phytosanitary and social certifications).

  • Active advocacy with unions and authorities: arguments for employment, investment and risk substitution in the chain.

  • Design a risk plan (logistics + financial + credit/export insurance and cargo insurance to protect margins in the regulatory transition).

6) What role does insurance play (margin, continuity and reputation)?

In tariff situations, insurance plays a strategic role far beyond covering physical damage to cargo. It protects the company's cash flow from logistical disruptions, such as delays or unexpected diversions due to regulatory changes, facilitating operational continuity and minimizing the financial impact of incidents beyond the exporter's control. In addition, adequate coverage can avoid commercial disputes due to loss or damage in transit, speeding up resolutions and preserving key relationships with international customers and partners.

Having a specialized broker makes it possible to adapt policies to route volatility, manage critical seasons or buyer variations, and incorporate tools such as sensors or IoT for traceability and documentation of claims. This speeds up payment times, strengthens audit responsiveness and protects the company's reputation with its customers, a crucial differentiator when the 0% tariff window requires maximum efficiency and compliance.

The U.S. executive order opens up a tactical opportunity for Colombia: lowering tariffs to 0% on specific items if it negotiates well and demonstrates local insufficiency in the U.S. To capitalize on it, technical speed, public-private unity and a mutually beneficial narrative (employment, price stability, chain resilience) are needed.
The time to act is now: prioritized basket, solid argumentation and commercial diplomacy.

At JAH Insurance Brokers we assist exporters and trade associations in comprehensive risk management: from logistics planning to the design of hedges that protect margins in changing regulatory environments. Let's talk and build a plan that puts you one step ahead.

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