Colombia’s Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Exports Soar 51.3% to Record High in March

In March 2025, Colombia’s agricultural and agro-industrial exports reached a historic value of $1.395 billion USD. This marks the best number for March since 1995, the year since which comparable records are available. This increase of 51.3%, compared to the same month of the previous year, highlights the strength of the Colombian agri-food sector and its ability to continue gaining ground in international markets.

Regarding the year so far (January-March 2025), the country achieved exports for a total of $3.682 billion USD and 1,446,100 tons, the highest records for this period since comparable records began (1995). These results confirm not only growth in value, but also in volume, reflecting a positive trend that continues to consolidate.

Dora Inés Rey, acting director of the UPRA, explained that: “The increase in exports reflects the competitiveness and effort of our agricultural producers, who continue to position Colombia as a benchmark in the export of agro-industrial products. These results are excellent news for the country’s economy; employment and development are generated, and the great potential that our countryside has is evident.”

Main results:

• Value growth: In March 2025, exports reached $1.395 million USD, an increase of 51.3% compared to March 2024.
•  Significant increase in coffee: coffee represented a notable increase of $311.5 million USD (+131.3%). It is consolidated as one of the main engines of the country’s exports.
•  Other notable categories: flower exports increased by $52.4 million USD (+23.8%), and cocoa and cocoa preparations rose by $31 million USD (+144.2%).
•  Volume growth: in March 2025, the country exported 510,515 tons of agricultural and agro-industrial products; an increase of 13% compared to the same month in 2024, with a notable increase in exports of coffee (+42.2%) and avocado (+94.5%).
• The first three months stand out: between January and March 2025, exports grew by 37% in value, driven by coffee (+100.8%), cocoa (+127.3%), and flowers (+9%).
•  Sustained increase in volume: during the first quarter of 2025, exports in volume increased by 3.8%; The growth of sugar (+26.8%) and soybean oil (+373.2%) stands out.

This performance reflects the importance of the agricultural sector as one of the pillars of the Colombian economy, with a clear impact on job creation, improved competitiveness and integration into international markets.

The outlook for the coming months continues to be favorable, with a growing interest in Colombian products in international markets; which translates into an opportunity to continue strengthening the agricultural and agro-industrial sector as a key engine of economic development.

Above image: coffee beans drying in the traditional open-air method. Photo credit: UPRA.