The beginning of the second half of the year inevitably evokes the year-end holidays and all the world trade events that Colombia could take advantage of so that its exports do not end up in negative territory this year.

In this sense, we believe that the diversification of the non-mining export basket can be supported by this type of global trade dates, where products from various origins compete. In some categories, we could stand out in terms of quality to meet consumption niches. In general, the second half of the year is usually more dynamic in terms of exports.

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If we look at it chronologically, the vacation season in Europe and the United States is key for Colombian apparel, especially for women’s swimwear, which has gained an important position in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Exports of swimwear and beachwear reached US$25.4 million in 2022, a growth of 14.2% compared to 2021, according to Dane figures.

In October, Halloween makes its way as a fundamental date for Colombian confectionery companies, which reached US$241 million in international sales in 2022, with a growth of 43%, thanks to the exports of 198 companies to 90 countries. Venezuela, the United States, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic were the largest buyers.

Then, on November 11, China will celebrate Singles’ Day, a day of great magnitude for Chinese e-commerce, when people without a partner give themselves gifts of products such as fashion or technology. According to estimates by Chinese consulting firms, by 2022, between US$130 billion and US$150 billion will have been transacted in 24 hours.

For example, there would be sales opportunities for Colombian brands of underwear, coffee, confectionery, cocoa, and its derivatives, among other products.

On Thanksgiving Day in the United States, which will be Thursday, November 23, aromatic herbs produced in Colombia want to gain more and more space, to become the companions at the time of seasoning the dinners of American consumers; it is worth remembering that more than 85% of Colombian aromatic herbs exports are directed to this market.

This is linked to Black Friday, which will take place the day after Thanksgiving Day, a date in which, beyond technology products, the fashion product category is the second most demanded and where Colombia can provide different garments such as shapewear and control clothing and jeans.

For the Christmas season, the so-called nostalgia exports, which refer to those typical products that Colombians living abroad miss, such as flour to make arepas, cookies, candies, snacks, bakery, and milling products, Nutresa’s Jet chocolate bars, Colombina’s Bon Bon Bums or alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, among others, are usually boosted.

Likewise, we know that companies seek to expand their target audience with this type of goods, wanting to conquer other Latin communities and even the local consumer in each country.

The invitation is for both the public and private sectors to work together to make the most of these festivities, which will bring more foreign exchange to Colombia and, therefore, more development and employment to the different regions of the country.

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