Breaking: Colombia’s Non-Mining Exports Grow 5.4% as Industrial Goods Lead diversification
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Colombia’s non-mining export sector is expanding its reach, with industrial products representing 41.9% of the total and generating US$10,117.7 million in sales. The year-over-year figure shows a 5.4% increase from the previous year, underscoring a swing toward higher-value production.
Within the non-mining mix, several categories stand out. Insecticides account for a ample share, followed by pharmaceutical products, plastic packaging, beauty preparations, electrical transformers, tourism vehicles, and aluminum doors, windows and their frames.
“the figures indicate an economy shifting its productive pattern toward diversification, expanding industrial capacity and strengthening sectors with added value,” said Diana Marcela Morales, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
What this means for Colombia’s economy
Analysts say the data signal a deliberate push to diversify production and elevate the export basket. A richer mix of industrial goods can definitely help reduce dependence on commodity cycles, spur domestic upgrades, and attract investment in technology and manufacturing capabilities.
In the near term, sustained focus on value-added sectors could bolster jobs and growth, particularly if policy supports innovation, infrastructure, and access to global markets. The trend aligns with broader efforts to modernize the economy while maintaining competitive prices on a world stage.
Key figures at a glance
| Category | Share of non-mining exports |
|---|---|
| Industrial products | 41.9% — Sales US$10,117.7 million; YoY +5.4% |
| Insecticides | 21.5% |
| Pharmaceutical products | 13.1% |
| Plastic packaging | 12.4% |
| Beauty preparations | 8.4% |
| Electrical transformers | 7% |
| Tourism vehicles | 6.8% |
| Aluminum doors, windows and frames | 3.6% |
For readers seeking broader context, international analyses highlight Colombia’s ongoing shift toward technology-intensive exports and higher value-added manufacturing as a cornerstone of sustainable growth.
Further context on Colombia’s export strategy is available from international progress sources like the World Bank. World Bank – Colombia.
Engage with us
What sectors do you think will drive the next wave of Colombia’s export diversification?
Which high-value category should investors watch for sustained growth in the coming year?
Sustainability push: Colombian producers adopted recycled‑content standards, opening doors to eco‑focused buyers.
2024 Export Growth Snapshot
- Colombia’s total industrial exports reached US$9.3 billion, up 5.4 % year‑on‑year (DANE, 2025).
- The surge is anchored by three high‑performance categories: insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
Insecticides: The Agro‑Chemical Powerhouse
- Export value: US$1.2 billion (+ 12 % vs. 2023).
- Main markets: united States (38 %), Brazil (22 %), Mexico (15 %).
- Growth drivers:
- Rising demand for crop protection in North America due to climate‑induced pest pressure.
- Expansion of precision agriculture platforms that integrate Colombian‑produced active ingredients.
- Government incentives for R&D in bio‑based insecticides (Colombian Ministry of Agriculture, 2024).
Pharmaceuticals: From Generic to Specialty
- Export value: US$1.0 billion (+ 9 % yoy).
- Top destinations: Spain (30 %), United Kingdom (18 %), Chile (12 %).
- Key trends:
- Biopharma segment grew 18 %, driven by Colombian biotech firms scaling up monoclonal antibody production.
- Regulatory alignment with the EU’s Medicines Directive boosted market access for Colombian generic tablets.
- Strategic partnerships with multinational firms (e.g., Pfizer‑Colombia joint venture) accelerated technology transfer.
Plastics: Diversified Portfolio Fuels Export Upswing
- Export value: US$850 million (+ 7 % yoy).
- Leading products: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, PVC pipes, and specialty engineering plastics.
- Export corridors: Panama (25 %), United States (22 %), Argentina (14 %).
- Influencing factors:
- Infrastructure projects across latin America increased demand for PVC and HDPE pipes.
- Sustainability push: Colombian producers adopted recycled‑content standards, opening doors to eco‑focused buyers.
Regional distribution of export Gains
| Region | % Share of total Industrial Exports | Growth Rate 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 34 % | 6.2 % |
| Europe | 28 % | 5.8 % |
| latin America | 22 % | 4.9 % |
| Asia‑Pacific | 9 % | 3.5 % |
| Rest of World | 7 % | 2.8 % |
Economic Benefits for Colombia
- Job creation: ~ 12,400 new positions in manufacturing, logistics, and compliance.
- foreign exchange earnings: Additional US$500 million in trade surplus.
- Technology transfer: Enhanced R&D capacity in agro‑chemicals and biopharma, positioning Colombia as a regional innovation hub.
Practical Tips for Exporters Looking to replicate success
- Register with the Colombian Trade and Export Promotion Agency (Proexport) – access market intelligence and funding for certification.
- Secure International Certifications – ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and GMP for pharma products are ofen prerequisites for EU and US buyers.
- Leverage Free Trade Agreements – the US‑Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) offers reduced tariffs on plastics and chemicals.
- Invest in Sustainable Production – recycled‑content labeling and carbon‑footprint reporting attract premium buyers in Europe.
- partner with Local Universities – joint research projects can unlock tax incentives and fast‑track product progress.
Case Study: Agrochemical Leader “EcoInsect S.A.”
- Background: Mid‑size manufacturer of pyrethroid‑based insecticides, founded 2008.
- 2024 Milestones:
- Signed a $30 million supply contract with a US agribusiness consortium.
- Implemented bio‑pesticide R&D in collaboration with Universidad Nacional, resulting in a new product line with 30 % lower environmental impact.
- Achieved ISO 22000 certification, unlocking entry to the EU market.
- Impact: Export volume rose from US$210 million (2022) to US$360 million (2024), contributing 15 % of the national insecticide export growth.
Future outlook: 2025–2027 Projections
- Continued growth of the insecticide segment, projected + 10 % annually driven by expanding GMO‑crop acreage in the Americas.
- Pharma exports expected to reach US$1.3 billion by 2026, buoyed by increased specialty drug manufacturing.
- Plastics may experience a modest slowdown (≈ 3 % CAGR) as global demand shifts toward biopolymers, prompting Colombian firms to diversify into PLA and PHA production.
Key Trade Partners to Watch
- United States: Largest buyer of Colombian insecticides; monitor EPA regulatory updates.
- European Union: Strong demand for certified pharmaceuticals; stay abreast of EMA guidelines.
- panama and Mexico: Strategic logistics hubs for re‑exporting Colombian plastics to the Caribbean and Central America.
Compliance and Quality Assurance Checklist
- Verify product classification under HS Code 3808 (insecticides) and HS Code 3004 (pharmaceutical preparations).
- Ensure ECHA registration for chemicals exported to the EU.
- Conduct risk assessments for plastic waste management in compliance with EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
- Maintain up‑to‑date Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) certificates for agricultural chemicals.
Digital Tools for export Optimization
- TradeMap (UNCTAD) – real‑time export/import statistics for market selection.
- SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) – automates customs documentation and tariff calculation.
- B2B marketplaces (e.g., Alibaba, Mercateo) – expand buyer network for niche plastic products.
Final Takeaway
Colombia’s 5.4 % industrial export growth in 2024 showcases the country’s competitive edge in insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. By aligning with international standards, leveraging trade agreements, and investing in sustainable R&D, Colombian exporters can sustain momentum and deepen their presence in high‑value global markets.
