Non-Mining Exports From Colombia Continue Growth in 2024, Up 7.4% Through August

Colombia’s non-mining exports reached $14.25 billion between January and August 2024, reflecting a 7.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, based on figures from DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics). Export volumes also rose during this period, with 6.03 million tons shipped, representing a 9.3% increase year-over-year.

The sustained growth in non-mining exports during 2024 aligns with global trade trends noted by the World Trade Organization (WTO), which has observed a recovery in trade activity during the third quarter of the year, following weakened demand in 2023.

Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Luis Carlos Reyes Hernández, noted the importance of these figures, stating that the government continues working closely with businesses in various regions to support their internationalization efforts.

Breakdown of Key Exports and Sectors

The growth in Colombia’s non-mining exports has been driven by increased demand for both manufactured goods and agricultural products. Among the standout performers were:

• Liquid dielectric transformers: Up 126.6% compared to the same period in 2023
• Passenger vehicles (buses 10+ persons): Up 109.4%
• Cocoa and cocoa products: Up 103.7%
• Tahiti limes: Up 59.5%
• Bananas: Up 47.5%
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Up 33.7%
• Hass avocados: Up 33.2%
• Beauty products: Up 26.6%
• Perfumes and colognes: Up 23.8%
• Kitchen and bath textiles: Up 19.9%
• Hair care products and shampoos: Up 12.5%
• Tilapia fillets: Up 11.6%
• Flowers and coffee: Up 10.8% and 10.4%, respectively

Regional Contributions to Export Growth

Eight of the top ten exporting departments, accounting for 73.9% of non-mining exports, showed significant growth in 2024. The largest contributors included:

• Bogotá: Up 14.2%
• Antioquia: Up 6.1%
• Cundinamarca: Up 9.6%
• Bolívar: Up 12.1%
• Caldas: Up 2.1%
• Huila: Up 34%
• Risaralda: Up 57.4%
• Magdalena: Up 9.2%

Key Export Destinations

Several international markets also contributed to the increase in non-mining exports. Sales to the United States grew by 6.9%, while exports to Mexico surged by 20.7% and Venezuela by 46.3%. Other notable increases were seen in Belgium (34.4%) and Germany (31%).

These results reinforce the positive trajectory of Colombia’s non-mining export sector, supported by growing demand across various industries and key markets worldwide.

Above photo: A banana truck in Caldas, Colombia (Loren Moss)