President Donald Trump’s renewed embrace of Colombia has sent a clear signal to British diplomats eyeing post-Brexit trade deals in Latin America: the Americans are already at the table.
At a press conference in Washington, Trump hailed the “strong partnership” with Colombia, highlighting its role in drug enforcement and trade. The comments come as UK ministers prepare for a fresh round of trade negotiations with Bogotá, part of a broader push to secure access to the region’s emerging markets.
For working families in the North, the outcome of these talks may seem a world away. But the price of bread and the strength of local employment are tied to these global currents. A deal with Colombia could lower tariffs on coffee or cut flower imports, easing costs for shoppers. Yet it could also undercut domestic growers or lead to job moves if British firms relocate production.
Trade Secretary Liz Truss has championed a “global Britain” strategy, but critics warn that without a clear plan to protect domestic industries, the UK risks being outmanoeuvred by larger players. The US-Colombia relationship is long-standing and deep, rooted in security and investment. British offers may struggle to match that clout.
Union leaders have demanded transparency. “We’re being sold a story of opportunity, but where’s the scrutiny on wage impacts and regional inequality?” asked Frances O’Grady of the TUC. “You can’t put a price on job security. Workers here need guarantees, not promises.”
Colombia’s economy, however, offers opportunity. It has grown steadily, and demand for British services like finance and education is rising. But the cost-of-living crisis at home means every trade concession is weighed against real outcomes. A cheaper imported bushel of grain could ease inflation, but it could also hit Lincolnshire farmers.
The American shadow is not just symbolic. Trump’s “America First” doctrine has led to aggressive tariff policies, and his administration will likely press Colombia to prioritise US goods. UK negotiators must navigate this. They have a narrow window to secure terms that protect British interests without being blocked by Washington.
For those in Barnsley or Burnley, the real test is not what is signed in a distant capital. It is whether their pay packets thicken or shrink. This is the kitchen-table measure of any trade deal. As one steelworker told me: “They talk about global Britain. I just want to know if my job will be here next year.”
The government insists it will not sign deals that harm domestic industries. But with Brexit’s promise of sovereign trade policy now under pressure from the pandemic and inflation, the public is sceptical. The Colombia talks are a test case. If Britain cannot secure a fair deal against the backdrop of US influence, it could signal a wider failure in its Latin American strategy.
For now, British diplomats are courting Bogotá. But as Trump’s praise of Colombia shows, the race for influence is accelerating. And for working people, the finish line must be a fairer economy, not just a signed document.
