- Colombia: Exports drop sharply in April on traditional sector declines
DANE published export data on Wednesday, June 4th. Monthly exports reached USD 4.12bn FOB in April, representing a decrease of -6.5% y/y compared to April 2024 (chart 1). Compared to March, total exports registered a drop of -12.7% m/m. Non-traditional exports maintained positive momentum, while traditional exports returned to negative territory with a drop of -20% y/y (chart 2).
Non-traditional exports continue to show favourable growth, climbing by 8.5%; however, these gains are not enough to offset the decline in traditional exports. Exports of agricultural goods and food (excluding coffee) were the largest contributors within the non-traditional group, with growth of 32% y/y, while manufacturing exports contracted slightly (-0.6% y/y). The export data reflected the positive dynamics of the agricultural sector, with fruit exports (up +27.9% y/y) and vegetable oils (up +147.5% y/y) standing out.
Regarding traditional exports, the favourable performance of coffee exports stands out, with a growth of 86.8% y/y, contributing 5.6 ppts to the total change. However, fuel exports fell significantly in April, offsetting the overall result. Fuel exports fell by -33% y/y, subtracting 16 ppts from the total change.
The negative dynamics in traditional exports are mainly explained by a drop in oil prices. Oil exports have decreased their share, going from 31% in April 2024 to 23% of total share in April 2025, mainly due to a drop in international prices. In April 2024, the average oil price was $89.0 USD/bbl, while in April 2025 it was $66.5 USD/bbl, a drop of 25%, negatively influencing export values.
- In April, traditional exports stood at USD 1.85 bn FOB, registering a 20% y/y decrease. International prices continue to affect the dynamics of fuel exports. In April, coal exports fell -37.5% y/y, while oil exports fell -35.23% y/y (the largest drop since May 2023) and ferronickel exports -18.9% y/y. On the positive side, coffee exports increased 86.8% y/y.
- Non-traditional exports stood at USD 2.26 billion FOB, increasing by 8.5% y/y. Non-traditional exports have maintained a positive trend, representing approximately 55% of total exports in April. Exports of food and agricultural products, excluding coffee, increased 32% y/y, with increases in fruits, oils, and animal products. Meanwhile, manufactured exports fell slightly by -0.6% y/y, mainly due to lower exports of iron and steel (-22.8% y/y), road vehicles (-31.1% y/y), and plastics (-9.0% y/y). Non-monetary gold exports represented 9% of total exports, valued at USD 352 mn (-7.0% y/y).
—Daniela Silva
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