UPDATE: In a spectacular turn of events, Colombia (not Columbia like the idiot Trump staff spelled it, dumbasses) has sinced caved to Trumps demands and is allowing deportation flights, granted the deportees are treated with kindness and respect and not shackled like common criminals

In another display of misguided economic warfare, former president Trump has announced a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, with threats to double it to 50% if Colombia doesn't "bend to his will." This dramatic move, reminiscent of his previous failed trade policies, demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of international trade and its impact on American consumers. Let's break down this clusterfuck of a policy decision and see how it's going to hit Americans right in their wallets.

Colombia's renowned coffee industry, producing some of the world's finest Arabica beans, is about to become a bitter pill for American coffee lovers to swallow. The U.S. imports roughly $1.2 billion worth of Colombian coffee annually. A 25% tariff means your morning cup of joe is about to get a hell of a lot more expensive.

Local coffee shops and major chains will face increased costs that will inevitably be passed down to consumers. Small coffee roasters, who often rely on Colombian beans for their premium blends, might have to scramble for alternatives or risk going under. The average American coffee drinker could see their annual coffee expenses increase by hundreds of dollars, and that's not even considering the potential 50% tariff scenario.

Colombia's petroleum exports to the U.S. represent a significant portion of our energy imports. The tariff's impact on oil and coal imports will create a ripple effect throughout the entire American economy. Energy costs affect everything from manufacturing to transportation, and guess who ends up paying for that? That's right - the American consumer.

When energy prices spike, everything gets more expensive. Your groceries cost more to transport, your Amazon packages cost more to deliver, and your utility bills climb higher. It's basic economics, something Trump seems to have slept through during his Wharton days.

Here's something most Americans don't realize: Colombia is our number one supplier of fresh-cut flowers. Those Valentine's Day roses? Mother's Day bouquets? Most come from Colombia. The tariff will devastate the U.S. floral industry, which employs over 75,000 people across small businesses nationwide.

Local florists will face impossible choices: absorb the increased costs and risk bankruptcy, or pass them on to customers and watch sales plummet. Either way, it's a lose-lose situation for American businesses and consumers.

The Colombian textile industry has been deeply integrated into U.S. supply chains for decades. Many American clothing brands rely on Colombian manufacturing for quality garments at reasonable prices. The tariff will force these companies to either raise prices significantly or scramble to find new suppliers - a process that could take years and still result in higher costs.

This disruption comes at a time when American consumers are already struggling with inflation. The last damn thing they need is artificially inflated clothing prices due to political grandstanding.

Colombia's emerald industry, the world's largest, will face serious disruption. While this might seem like a luxury issue, it affects thousands of American jewelry businesses, from small independent jewelers to major chains. The ripple effects will impact employment in the U.S. jewelry sector and reduce consumer choice.

Trump's signature quote regarding trade wars, "Trade wars are good, and easy to win," has been proven wrong time and time again. As he stated in 2018, "Nobody knows more about trade than me." Well, this policy proves otherwise, as every credible economist has pointed out the devastating effects of such broad tariffs.

The combined effect of these tariffs will hit American consumers from multiple angles:

Direct price increases on Colombian goods Higher energy costs affecting all sectors of the economy Supply chain disruptions leading to shortages and price spikes Job losses in industries dependent on Colombian trade Reduced consumer choice and market competition

The cruel irony is that these tariffs, supposedly designed to protect American interests, will primarily harm American consumers and businesses while doing little to achieve any coherent policy objectives.