Coffee, flowers and avocado lead Colombian exports to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025

May 27, 2025

Colombian exports to the U.S. grew 20.8% in the first quarter of 2025, but structural challenges persist in the export basket.

Colombian exports to the U.S., port, containers, Más Colombia

In the first quarter of 2025, Colombian exports to the U.S. registered remarkable growth, consolidating the U.S. as Colombia’s main trading partner. Despite the challenging international context, this progress reveals both circumstantial strengths and structural limitations in the country’s trade policy.

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Growth driven by the agricultural sector

According to Cedetrabajo’s research, between January and March 2025, Colombia’s total exports reached USD 11,895.1 million, which represents an increase of 5.3% over the same period of the previous year. This result was led by the agricultural sector, which grew by 36.9%, with USD 3,683.2 million exported.

Among the outstanding products were unroasted coffee, which saw a 103.4% growth, and flowers, which experienced an 8.9% increase. The United States accounted for 30.7% of Colombia’s exports in the quarter, representing a 20.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Coffee, flowers and tropical fruits such as lemons and avocados were key in boosting Colombian exports to the U.S.

national federation of coffee growers, coffee sack, coffee beans, Más Colombia — Colombian exports to the U.S.

Dependence on primary products and lack of diversification

Despite the recent dynamism, Colombia’s export basket to the U.S. remains highly concentrated in primary products. In 2024:

32 % corresponded to crude oil
16% to agricultural products
15% to processed foods
12% to basic metallurgy
8% to petroleum derivatives

These five groups accounted for 83% of Colombian exports to the U.S., showing low diversification and low value added.

The lack of a solid industrial policy and incentives for innovative sectors prevents Colombia from strengthening its export position in the long term. This structure also leaves the country vulnerable to variations in international commodity prices.

exportaciones colombianas de combustibles caen — Colombian exports to the U.S.

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Balance of trade and structural challenges

Since the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US in 2012, Colombia’s trade balance has deteriorated significantly. While between 2000 and 2012 the country maintained an average trade surplus of USD 3.7 billion per year, since 2013 to date it faces an average deficit of USD 1.563 billion per year.

This change reflects both the lack of diversification of Colombia’s exports to the U.S. and the weakness of its manufacturing sector. Industry’s share of GDP has fallen from more than 20% in the 1980s to less than 11% today, limiting the generation of quality employment and the country’s competitiveness.

Colombian exports to the U.S., Balance of trade Colombia, balance of money, balance of trade Colombia, Más Colombia — Colombian exports to the U.S.

Perspectives and the need for a comprehensive strategy

Although recent figures indicate a favorable performance, the country needs to adopt a long-term strategy. Colombia must diversify its exports to the United States, promoting knowledge and innovation intensive sectors.

To do so, it is required:

Investment in logistics infrastructure
Strengthening of technological capabilities
Active industrial policies
A stable and predictable business environment conducive to international integration

In summary, the recent growth in Colombia’s exports to the U.S. is good news, but it is not enough. If the country does not decisively address its structural bottlenecks, the export potential will remain limited and vulnerable.