Colombia’s Non-Mining Exports Grow 8.3% Through September, Reaching $16.1 Billion

Colombian exports of non-mining goods showed consistent growth through the first nine months of 2024, reaching $16.1 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism based on figures from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE). This marks an 8.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when non-mining exports amounted to $14.9 billion. In terms of volume, non-mining exports grew by 9.5%, totaling 6.8 million tons.

Demand for Colombian non-mining products has fluctuated across international markets, but exports to key partners like the United States, Mexico, and Venezuela have shown notable increases. Exports to the United States rose by 8.6%, while Mexico and Venezuela saw increases of 22.5% and 47.4%, respectively. Other markets also saw growth, with exports to Belgium increasing by 33.7% and the Netherlands by 3.9%.

Industrial and Agricultural Sectors Drive Export Growth

Industrial products, which account for about 62% of Colombia’s non-mining exports, grew by 4.1% year-over-year. Key industrial exports included electrical machinery and equipment, which rose by 30.3%, and cosmetics and beauty preparations, up by 26.4%. Exports of plastics and related products grew by 10.6%, while sales of insecticides and fungicides increased by 4.1%.

Agricultural products, comprising 37.8% of Colombia’s non-mining export basket, grew by 16% through September. Significant increases were observed in exports of Tahiti lime (69%), bananas (48.6%), Hass avocado (42.4%), and passion fruit (20.2%). Coffee exports rose by 11.6%, while cut flower exports increased by 12%. Tilapia fillets saw a modest increase of 7.6%.

Regional Contributions to Export Growth

Several Colombian regions played a prominent role in the export growth of non-mining goods. Risaralda saw the largest percentage increase, with exports reaching $639.9 million, up 58.9% year-over-year. Huila exported $677.1 million worth of non-mining goods, representing a 35.3% increase, while Santander reported $253.6 million in exports, marking a 12% rise.

Bolívar contributed $1.38 billion in exports, showing a 10.1% growth, and Antioquia led with $3.02 billion in non-mining exports, a 9.1% increase. Other regions also contributed, reflecting a broad geographic distribution of Colombia’s non-mining export growth.

Government’s Strategy and Export Support

According to Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Luis Carlos Reyes Hernández, the government is focused on sustaining export growth by supporting regional businesses. The Ministry is working with local entrepreneurs to help them access new markets, providing various resources and support tools to boost Colombia’s international presence in non-traditional sectors.

The rise in Colombia’s non-mining exports reflects ongoing efforts to diversify the country’s export base, moving away from traditional reliance on mining and energy products. This trend underscores Colombia’s strategic push to leverage its agricultural and industrial sectors to enhance trade resilience and support economic growth.