The Colombian government has signed a decree authorizing the resumption of coal exports to Israel, effectively reversing a ban that was imposed under former president Gustavo Petro. The previous administration had implemented the embargo in August 2025, citing Israel's military aggression in Palestine and the impact on Palestinian civilians. At the time, the government stated the measure was intended to prevent Colombian natural resources from contributing to the war and to help prevent genocide against the Palestinian people.
President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the reversal in a statement, noting that the move puts an end to ideological bans and restrictions that he argued had harmed the national economy, affected legal certainty, and undermined international confidence. Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Mauricio Gomez Amin confirmed that the government had prepared the decree, characterizing the previous suspension as an ideological decision.
The impact of the August 2025 embargo was significant, according to the National Federation of Coal Producers (Fenalcarbon). The organization reported that the suspension reduced shipments to the Israeli market by approximately 3.5 million tonnes annually, representing roughly $200 million in yearly exports. Fenalcarbon President Carlos Cante noted that during the ban, Israel adjusted its energy strategy by increasing coal purchases from South Africa and expanding the use of natural gas in some thermal power plants.
The Association of Professionals of the Colombian Mining Sector welcomed the government's decision, stating that the move was based on technical considerations rather than ideology and could bring economic benefits to the country. As part of President De la Espriella's broader effort to reverse policies adopted by the previous administration, the Colombian government has also announced plans to strengthen commercial ties with Israel and expand markets for Colombian products.
