Colombia to resume coal exports to Israel after two-year suspension

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialAugust 22, 2026 at 08:01 PM

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Colombia to resume coal exports to Israel after two-year suspension

Colombia's new government will resume coal exports to Israel, reversing a suspension imposed under former President Gustavo Petro. Trade Minister Mauricio Gomez Amin announced the decision on August 22, citing a decree permitting the exports. The move follows President Abelardo de la Espriella's pledge to restore ties with Israel.

Key Facts

Colombia suspended coal exports to Israel on August 19, 2024, under former President Gustavo Petro.
Trade Minister Mauricio Gomez Amin announced the resumption on August 22, 2026, citing a decree permitting coal exports.
President Abelardo de la Espriella took office on August 7, 2026, after winning the runoff with 49.65% of the vote.
Fenalcarbon President Carlos Cante warned that Colombia may struggle to regain its former market share in Israel.

Policy Reversal

Colombia's Trade Minister Mauricio Gomez Amin announced on August 22 that the government has a decree allowing coal exports to Israel. The previous administration under Gustavo Petro had officially halted coal exports to Israel on August 19, 2024, citing attacks on Gaza. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on August 7, had pledged during his campaign to restore diplomatic relations with Israel. De la Espriella won the June 2026 runoff with 49.65% of the vote against Ivan Cepeda's 48.70%.

Market Impact

Fenalcarbon President Carlos Cante cautioned that lifting the ban does not guarantee Colombia will immediately regain its share of the Israeli market. Israel has begun importing coal from South Africa and increased gas use at some thermal power plants during the suspension. Cante said Colombian producers had to redirect some coal to other markets, primarily in Latin America.

Diplomatic Shift

Colombia cut diplomatic relations with Israel on May 3, 2024, under Petro, citing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. Petro ordered the opening of a Colombian embassy in Ramallah on May 23, 2024. De la Espriella announced on July 27 that he would move Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem and suspend plans for an embassy in Palestine. The newly appointed Israeli ambassador to Bogota presented his credentials to Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar on August 21.

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Colombia to resume coal exports to Israel after two-year suspension

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Colombia to resume coal exports to Israel after two-year suspension

Key Facts

Policy Reversal

Market Impact

Diplomatic Shift

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