Trump Targets Petro Leaving Colombian Business Unscathed (1)

President Donald Trump’s decision to sanction President Gustavo Petro may look bad for Colombia, but it’s hardly the worst outcome for businesses that were bracing for economy-crushing tariffs.

On Friday, the US Treasury Department effectively barred Petro and members of his inner circle from using the US financial system or doing business with US companies for allegedly enabling drug trafficking.

Yet Colombian companies and workers have so far been relatively unscathed. A group of business leaders sought direct contact with US officials to help persuade Trump that his dispute with Petro shouldn’t lead him to target a country that ...