Colombia Cuts Off Coal Exports to Israel, Disrupting Key Energy Supply

Colombia has stopped sending coal to Israel, creating a major energy problem for the Israeli power sector. In August 2024, Colombia’s government signed Decree 1047, officially halting all coal exports to Israel.

This step will stay in place until Israel meets international court demands related to the Gaza conflict. According to Colombia’s trade data, over 90% of Israel’s imported coal comes from Colombia, and this coal powers about half of Israel’s electricity needs.

In 2023, Colombia earned $450 million from this trade. The decision came soon after both countries broke off diplomatic ties in early 2024. Colombian officials say the goal is to use trade policy to uphold international law and protest current events in Gaza.

The government is offering some support to Colombian coal producers hit by the sudden loss of the Israeli market, but it expects the ban to last until Israel complies with international legal requirements.

The stop in coal exports is part of a wider change in Colombia’s economy. President Gustavo Petro also ordered Ecopetrol, Colombia’s national oil company, to sell off its U.S. fracking operations.

These generated $2.1 billion and supplied about 12% of Ecopetrol’s oil output in 2023, according to company figures. The government wants this money invested in renewable energy projects instead of fossil fuels.

This has made some investors anxious due to the importance of energy revenues for Colombia’s budget. Colombia is also reassessing its foreign policy, especially military relationships like its previous partnership with NATO.

In 2024, Colombia appointed its first ambassador to Palestine, signaling a new direction for its diplomatic efforts. These steps highlight how Colombia is now using its economic power, rather than just words, to influence global events and support its international priorities.

Every fact in this article comes directly from government data, official decrees, and public company accounts. All information is verified and nothing here is based on opinion or speculation.

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