January Sees 42.3% Surge in Agricultural and Agro-industrial Exports

Colombia’s exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products grew 42.3% in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, reaching a total value of $1.1 million USD. This was the highest value recorded for January since comparable data began (1991), underlining the dynamism of the agricultural sector and its growing importance in the national economy.

The growth in exports was mainly driven by the increase in exports of coffee, which increased by $242.6 million USD (105.4%), flowers with an increase of $25.3 million USD (15.4%) and cocoa, with an increase of $17.9 million USD (161.1%). These products led the growth of the sector, which continues to consolidate itself as one of the pillars of Colombian exports.

Dora Inés Rey, acting director of the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA), commented: “The growth of our exports reflects the effort and quality of our producers. Products such as coffee, flowers, and cocoa continue to stand out in international markets, demonstrating that the Colombian countryside continues to be a key source of economic development. From the UPRA, we continue to support policies that strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and its ability to contribute to the sustainable growth of the country.”

In terms of volume, Colombia exported 498,654 tons of agricultural and agro-industrial products in January 2025, which represented an increase of 9.5% compared to the same month in 2024. This increase was mainly explained by sugar exports, which rose by 23,940 tons (55%); coffee, which grew by 20,630 tons (40.7%); and soybean oil, which increased by 6,467 tons (521.2%).

This increase in exports is not only excellent news for the agricultural sector; it is also a sign of the potential that Colombia has to continue positioning itself as an agri-food pantry. The strengthening of this sector continues to be a priority for the government and the UPRA, with the aim of generating more opportunities for Colombian producers, is working on planning that allows the sustainable development of the countryside.

Photo of Cacao fruit, the source of chocolate. Credit: eliasfalla from Pixabay.