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.

The growth of agricultural activity was mainly driven by coffee; which experienced a notable increase of 22.5%. It was followed by agricultural crops without coffee, with an increase of 8.3%; and livestock, with 5.6%. Despite difficulties in other subsectors, such as forestry (-9.4%) and fishing (-3%), the agricultural sector continues to consolidate itself as an essential pillar in the Colombian economy.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry, and fishing sectors led economic growth, with an increase of 6.5%, exceeding GDP growth of 2.3% by 4.2 percentage points. This boost was mainly based on the strong performance of coffee (33.1%) and livestock (6.6%); with this, the agricultural sector was consolidated as the one with the greatest expansion within the country’s economy.

Dora Inés Rey, acting director of the UPRA, said: “The growth of the agricultural sector in 2024 is a reflection of the constant effort of our farmers and producers. Coffee, livestock, and other agricultural crops continue to prove to be key to the national economy and, from the UPRA, we work to strengthen the sector and ensure its continued growth.”

Photo credit: Colombia’s Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA)