The U.S. agricultural exports to Colombia reached an all-time high of $4.5 billion in 2024, marking a 21% increase compared to 2023. This growth was fueled by key commodities like corn, soybean meal, ethanol, pork, and distillers grains, and was supported by the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA). Below is a comprehensive analysis of the trends, contributing factors, and economic implications.
Overview of U.S. Agricultural Trade with Colombia
- U.S. exports to Colombia: $4.5 billion (21% increase from 2023).
- Colombian exports to the U.S.: $4.4 billion (8% increase from 2023).
- The United States is Colombia’s top agricultural supplier, capturing 43% of Colombia’s total agricultural imports.
- Colombia is the 6th largest market for U.S. agricultural exports globally and had the highest growth rate among the top 25 U.S. agricultural export markets in 2024.
Key U.S. Agricultural Exports to Colombia
The top 10 U.S. agricultural exports to Colombia contributed to 85% of total export value:
| Product | 2023 Value ($M) | 2024 Value ($M) | Change (%) | Share of U.S. Ag Exports (%) |
| Corn | 1,138 | 1,561 | +37% | 35% |
| Soybean Meal | 737 | 654 | -11% | 15% |
| Ethanol | 223 | 377 | +69% | 8% |
| Pork & Products | 272 | 360 | +32% | 8% |
| Distillers Grains | 114 | 213 | +88% | 5% |
| Soybeans | 236 | 212 | -10% | 5% |
| Dairy Products | 126 | 129 | +2% | 3% |
| Other Feeds | 113 | 124 | +10% | 3% |
| Wheat | 133 | 124 | -7% | 3% |
| Soybean Oil | 7 | 84 | +1055% | 2% |
Drivers of Growth
- Corn exports increased by 37% to $1.6 billion due to high demand from Colombia’s animal feed industry and trade benefits under the CTPA.
- Soybean oil saw a massive 1055% growth, jumping from $7M to $84M, driven by competitive pricing against palm oil.
- Ethanol exports surged 69% to $377 million due to favorable pricing and stable demand for blending mandates (E10 blend).
- Pork exports grew 32% to $360 million, fueled by higher demand from the food service sector.
Competitor Analysis: U.S. vs. Other Suppliers
While the U.S. dominated with 43% of the market, competitors included:
- South America (30%): Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru.
- European Union (10%).
- Canada (5%).
- Mexico (4%).
During 2021-2023, Colombia reduced U.S. imports due to competitive pricing from Mercosur countries (e.g., Argentina, Brazil). However, the U.S. regained market share in 2024 due to tariff advantages under CTPA.
Colombian Agricultural Exports to the United States
The United States remains the largest market for Colombian agricultural products, accounting for 40% of total Colombian agricultural exports.
| Colombian Export Product | 2023 Value ($M) | 2024 Value ($M) | Change (%) | Share of Colombian Ag Exports (%) |
| Unroasted Coffee | 1,312 | 1,414 | +8% | 32% |
| Cut Flowers | 1,250 | 1,391 | +11% | 32% |
| Fresh Bananas | 262 | 286 | +9% | 6% |
| Roasted & Instant Coffee | 240 | 186 | -22% | 4% |
| Processed Fruit & Veg. | 140 | 139 | -1% | 3% |
| Seafood | 152 | 133 | -13% | 3% |
| Other Fresh Fruits | 77 | 119 | +56% | 3% |
| Sugars & Sweeteners | 118 | 107 | -9% | 2% |
| Fresh Avocados | 28 | 91 | +221% | 2% |
| Other Livestock | 94 | 90 | -5% | 2% |
Key Takeaways
- Colombian coffee and cut flowers dominated exports, comprising 65% of total exports to the U.S..
- Fresh avocado exports surged by 221%, making Colombia the 3rd largest avocado supplier to the U.S..
- Cocoa products saw a 146% increase, while baked goods and processed foods also recorded double-digit growth.
Challenges & Trade Barriers
Despite strong export growth, Colombia imposed several trade barriers in 2024:
- Temporary ban on U.S. beef imports, which led to a 42% decline in U.S. beef exports.
- Four-month duty on U.S. milk powder.
Additionally, Mercosur’s competitive pricing under the Andean Price Band System (APBS) affected U.S. exports in previous years.
Future Outlook & Policy Considerations
Opportunities for U.S. Exporters
- Corn & ethanol demand will continue to grow due to animal feed needs and fuel blending mandates.
- Soybean oil remains highly competitive against palm oil alternatives.
- Meat and dairy exports could expand if trade barriers are eased.
Potential Risks
- Trade disputes and tariff changes under new Colombian policies.
- Competition from Mercosur and EU suppliers.
- Volatility in commodity prices (especially for grains, dairy, and ethanol).
Conclusion
The U.S.-Colombia agricultural trade reached record highs in 2024, with $4.5 billion in U.S. exports (+21%) and $4.4 billion in Colombian exports (+8%).
- Corn, soybean oil, ethanol, and pork drove U.S. export growth.
- Coffee, flowers, bananas, and avocados fueled Colombian exports.
- Trade policies under the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) played a crucial role in sustaining this growth.
To maintain competitiveness, U.S. exporters should focus on high-demand products (corn, soybean oil, pork, and ethanol) while monitoring potential trade barriers and competition from Mercosur countries.
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