The Colombian government has signed a decree authorising the resumption of coal exports to Israel, reversing a ban imposed under former president Gustavo Petro amid Israel's genocide in Gaza.
"I authorised the resumption of coal exports to Israel, putting an end to ideological bans and restrictions of the past that harmed our economy, affected legal certainty and undermined international confidence," President Abelardo de la Espriella said in a statement cited by the government.
Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Mauricio Gomez Amin said the government had already prepared the decree, describing the previous suspension as an "ideological" decision.
The Association of Professionals of the Colombian Mining Sector welcomed the move, saying it was based on technical rather than ideological considerations and could bring economic benefits to Colombia.
Reversal of August 2025 embargo
A decree issued in August 2025 imposed a ban on Colombian coal exports to Israel, citing Israel's military aggression in Palestine and its impact on Palestinian civilians.
The government at the time said the measure sought to prevent Colombian natural resources from contributing to Israel's genocidal war and to help prevent genocide against the Palestinian people.
The suspension reduced shipments to the Israeli market by about 3.5 million tonnes annually, according to the National Federation of Coal Producers (Fenalcarbon).
The figure represents roughly $200 million in annual exports, according to local media.
Fenalcarbon President Carlos Cante said Israel has increased coal purchases from South Africa and expanded its use of natural gas in some thermal power plants.
The Colombian government has also announced plans to strengthen commercial ties with Israel and expand markets for Colombian products as part of De la Espriella's effort to reverse policies adopted by the previous administration.
