Non-Mineral Exports Increase Above National Average in Four Colombian Departments

The departments of Risaralda, Nariño, Huila, and Magdalena, which are among the top contributors to Colombia’s non-mineral export basket, recorded a double-digit increase in exports between January and May. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, based on data from DANE, these four departments collectively sold $1.047 billion USD in agricultural, agro-industrial, and industrial products in the first five months of the year. This represents a 26.6% growth compared to the same period in 2023, when exports totaled $827 million USD.

Overall, from January to May of this year, non-mineral exports reached $8.810 billion USD, marking a 6% increase from $8.310 billion USD in the same period of 2023.

Departmental Performance

Risaralda saw the highest growth in non-mineral exports, with a 60.5% increase. The department exported $344.1 million USD worth of goods, compared to $214.4 million USD in the previous year. Significant growth was seen in the exports of liquid dielectric transformers (158.4%), vehicles for transporting more than 10 people (204.5%), and coffee (106.5%). Key destinations included the United States, Mexico, the Netherlands, China, and India.

Nariño experienced a 48.6% rise in non-mineral exports, reaching $23.9 million USD compared to $16.1 million USD the previous year. Coffee exports (289.5%), corn flour (1,625.3%), and basketry materials (22.7%) were major contributors. Main export destinations were the United States, Belgium, Spain, and Mexico.

Huila recorded a 15.2% increase in non-mineral exports, amounting to $317.4 million USD, up from $275.4 million USD the previous year. The department’s export growth was driven by coffee (4.9%), tilapia including fillets (38.4%), and cacao beans (281.9%). The United States, Canada, Belgium, and Japan were significant markets.

Magdalena saw a 12.5% growth in non-mineral exports, with total sales reaching $362.2 million USD, compared to $322 million USD in the previous year. Bananas (50.5%), coffee (36.1%), and other fruits (198.5%) were key products. The United States, Mexico, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for these exports.