Colombia’s Agricultural Sector Thrives in Global Markets
With growing demand for its products, the country strengthens trade ties with key partners like the Netherlands.
The Colombian agricultural sector has demonstrated remarkable dynamism in 2024, consolidating itself as a fundamental pillar of the national economy. According to recent reports from DANE and DIAN, exports of agricultural products, food, and beverages have experienced significant growth, reflecting the increasing competitiveness and quality of Colombian products on the international market.
Throughout 2024 (January-December), exports from the agricultural, food, and beverage sector reached a value of US$11,491.8 million, representing a 14% increase compared to the US$10,078.6 million recorded in 2023. This performance positions the sector as the second-largest contributor to Colombian exports, with a 23.2% share, surpassed only by fuels and extractive industry products.
Featured Products
This growth was primarily driven by products such as coffee, flowers, and avocados, which have maintained high demand in international markets. Specifically, the following products in export value stand out: legumes and fruits (32.3%), coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, and their preparations (21.1%), raw animal and vegetable products (flowers) (11.7%), and dairy products and bird eggs (123.9%).
However, a decrease was observed in exports of fixed vegetable fats and oils (-7.8%), sugars and sugar preparations and honey (-3.9%), and fish (-13.7%).
Main Export Destination
On the other hand, the United States remains the main destination for Colombian agricultural exports, with a 7.7% growth in 2024, demonstrating the solid trade relationship between both countries.
The Netherlands: A Strategic Partner for Colombian Agriculture
In the dynamic landscape of international trade, the Netherlands has consolidated itself as a key strategic partner for the Colombian agricultural sector, positioning itself as one of the main export destinations after the United States. During 2024, the total value of exports from the agriculture, livestock, hunting, and related service activities sector to this European market reached nearly 348 million US dollars FOB.
Colombian products, known for their diversity and quality, have seen increasing demand in The Netherlands. The avocado led the export basket with sales of approximately US$121 million. It is followed by fresh bananas, with about US$69 million, and gulupa, with more than US$41 million. Fresh cut carnations also stand out with around US$27 million, along with uchuvas (nearly US$26 million), fresh plantains (more than US$14 million), and Tahiti limes (nearly US$13 million).
Key Regions for Exports
Export activity to the Netherlands is concentrated in several Colombian departments, which play a fundamental role in the production and distribution of these products. Antioquia leads the list with exports valued at approximately US$131,500, followed by Cundinamarca with US$89 million and Risaralda with about US$39 million. Bogotá and Magdalena also contributed significantly with US$35.5 million and US$18.8 million, respectively.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The year 2025 has started with a boost for the Colombian agricultural export sector. According to the latest report from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), in January 2025, the agricultural, food, and beverage group reached a value of US$1,144.7 million, registering a 42.5% increase in value and a 9.4% increase in volume compared to January 2024.
This sector consolidated its position as a fundamental pillar of Colombian foreign trade, contributing 30.3% of the country's total exports.
Coffee has been a significant driver of this growth. Monthly coffee production in February 2025 showed a 42% increase compared to February 2024, reaching 1.36 million bags. This demonstrates the dynamism of the sector.
As stated by DANE, "The behavior of Colombian exports during January reflects that the agriculture sector maintains its significant growth and essential contribution to the country's economy”.
More information
If you would like to know more or want to get in touch with the Agricultural & Biodiversity team, please contact us on bog-lvvn@minbuza.nl (for Colombia and Ecuador) or lim-lvvn@minbuza.nl (for Peru).
For more general information, you can visit Agroberichtenbuitenland.nl