The U.S.’ intention to impose tariffs on agricultural products entering the country, starting next April, could impact Colombia’s coffee and flower exports to its main trading partner.
Each year, Colombia exports around US$15 billion to the U.S. market, with agricultural products accounting for 50% (approximately US$7.6 billion) of that total.
According to official data, in January 2025, the United States remained the primary destination for Colombian exports, representing 30.7% of the country’s total exports.
US agricultural tariffs threaten Colombia’s exports
The announcement by U.S. authorities to impose tariffs on agricultural imports starting April 2 could have significant consequences for the Colombian economy. According to experts, the most affected products would be coffee and flowers, which are among Colombia’s fastest-growing exports to the U.S.
In January, Colombia’s top exports to its main foreign market were coffee and flowers, with year-over-year growth of nearly 100% and 20.8%, respectively, compared to January 2023.
In annual terms, Colombian coffee exports to the U.S. grew by 18.7% in 2024, reaching a total value of US$1.42 billion. Meanwhile, flower exports increased by 12.9% over the same period.
Other products likely to be impacted by the U.S. tariffs include bananas, Hass avocados, Tahiti limes, and tilapia, all of which could see price increases in U.S. supermarkets.
Colombia will avoid US trade war, rather seek for new markets
Colombia’s Trade Minister, Luis Carlos Reyes, addressed the new measure announced by President Trump, set to take effect in less than a month. Reyes told local media in Colombia that this “appears to be a broad action affecting several countries, not just Colombia.”
“Historically, 25% of our exports go to the United States, so an impact on this market would have a considerable effect on our economy,” the minister acknowledged in an interview with Blu Radio.
When asked whether Colombia would respond with countertariffs, Reyes ruled out that possibility, stating that the government aims to uphold its free trade agreements with the U.S.
“The best strategy is to diversify our markets instead of engaging in a trade war… Our position is to seek long-term balance, ensuring that both countries benefit from the relationship,” he added.
This position of avoiding a trade war is also shared by the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). In a response to President Trump’s announcement, AmCham president Maria Claudia Lacouture stated that “it is essential that Colombia maintains a trade policy that avoids friction with the US, guaranteeing the stability of its agricultural exports and the protection of its rural economy.”
Related: Petro Calls to Diversify Colombia’s Trade Partners, Shift Focus from US.