Government decrees a 35% tariff on steel and metal imports without a trade agreement with Colombia
The Ministry of Commerce issued Decree 0264 of 2026, which imposes a 35% tariff increase on various products from the steel and metalworking sectors...
TL;DR
- The Ministry of Commerce issued Decree 0264 of 2026, establishing a 35% tariff increase on steel and metal products.
- The measure targets imports from countries without trade agreements with Colombia, including China, Russia, and India.
- This decision responds to a request from national steel companies facing competition from low-cost imports.
- The tariff is intended to protect a strategic sector vital for construction, infrastructure, energy, and transportation.
- The steel and metalworking industry generates around 45,000 jobs and is a key part of the National Reindustrialization Policy.
- The government cited an increase in low-cost imports, some up to 42% below market prices, as justification.
- The decree also aims to prevent importers from substituting taxed products with similar ones to evade the tariff.
- The industry's role in recycling over 1.2 million tons of scrap annually is also highlighted as a benefit.