The Colombian Ministry of Trade has recommended the Commission on Customs Duties and International Trade Restrictions to impose a ban on the supply of coal to Israel until the end of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Currently, Colombia is the largest supplier of coal to Israel, worth $450 million per year. However, the coal supplied to Israeli power plants is not purchased directly from Colombia but from international traders.
Despite the ban recommended by Colombia, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Israeli electricity market as Israel has substantial strategic coal reserves and the transition to gas power plants is already in progress. The ban would also be a violation of the free trade agreement and could lead to an appeal to the World Trade Organization.
It is important to note that President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, who has a background in left-wing movements, including being part of a radical guerrilla group in his youth, has taken an extremely anti-Israel position. His government’s stance on the issue reflects this position, with a recommendation to ban coal exports to Israel until the end of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.