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Export Market

Colombia

ISO: CO / COL

Country Profile

Capital Bogotá
Population 53.1M
GDP $418.8B (2024)
GDP per Capita $7,919
Income Level Upper-Middle Income
Currency Colombian peso (COP $)
Language Spanish
Timezone UTC-05:00
Region South America

Trade Partners

Colombia Exports To

  • USA 27.0%
  • Panama 9.0%
  • India 5.0%
  • China 5.0%
  • Netherlands 4.0%

Key exports: crude petroleum, coal, gold, coffee, refined petroleum (2023)

Colombia Imports From

  • USA 26.0%
  • China 22.0%
  • Brazil 6.0%
  • Mexico 5.0%
  • Germany 4.0%

Key imports: refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, aircraft, packaged medicine (2023)

Economic Overview

prior to COVID-19, one of the most consistent growth economies; declining poverty; large stimulus package has mitigated economic fallout, but delayed key infrastructure investments; successful inflation management; sound flexible exchange rate regime; domestic economy suffers from lack of trade integration and infrastructure

Government: presidential republic

UK Trade Status

FTA in Force

The UK has a free trade agreement with Colombia, providing preferential market access for UK exporters.

Trade Barriers

11 active barriers affecting UK exporters

Exclusion of subnational entities in Colombia from the government procurement benefits under the UK–Andean trade agreement

Subnational entities in Colombia that are exempt from the UK–Andean trade agreement are not obligated to provide national treatment to UK businesses in public procurement processes. This has undermined the ability of UK businesses to secure contracts, for example in …

Sectors: Construction, Railways

Reported: 3 Jan 2024

Lack of regulations governing umbrella brands for over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals in Columbia

UK pharmaceutical companies have struggled with the absence of a clear regulatory framework in Columbia that determines the feasibility of one brand encompassing various product categories. The regulatory agency has changed its position multiple times, creating uncertainty regarding the types …

Sectors: Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

Reported: 14 Dec 2023

Outdated government procurement framework hindering the development of infrastructure projects in Colombia

The current regulatory framework in Colombia is not efficient for the procurement and development of complex infrastructure projects such as railways, waterways, airports and sanitation. This has undermined UK businesses and investors willing to operate in the country.

Sectors: Construction, Financial and professional services, Railways

Reported: 17 Jun 2021

No regulatory framework for emerging green hydrogen market prevents access for UK investors and exporters in Colombia

Colombia has no regulatory framework for its emerging Green hydrogen market. A framework of this kind would help attract more foreign investment and could benefit UK businesses with relevant expertise.

Sectors: Energy, Environment

Reported: 1 Feb 2021

Regulatory framework needed for offshore wind in Colombia to facilitate the presence of UK exporters/investors

A regulatory framework for offshore wind in Colombia would be beneficial to promote the presence of UK companies and investors in this field.

Sectors: Energy

Reported: 22 Oct 2020

View all 11 barriers on GOV.UK →

Geographic Region

Latin America and Caribbean

Trading Bloc Memberships

Colombia is a member of the following trade agreements and economic blocs.

CAN Andean Community Customs Union UK Agreement PA Pacific Alliance Free Trade Area

Export Guidance

Relevant guidance for exporting to Colombia.

Start Your Export Journey

Export to the EU after Brexit Start exporting from the UK Manage your export compliance

Also in This Region

🇦🇷 Argentina 🇧🇸 Bahamas FTA 🇧🇧 Barbados FTA 🇧🇿 Belize FTA 🇧🇴 Bolivia 🇧🇷 Brazil 🇨🇱 Chile FTA 🇨🇷 Costa Rica FTA

Official Resources

Government export support for Colombia.

great.gov.uk Market Guide → GOV.UK Country Information →
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