Trading Partner Portal: Colombia
Overview
Tech Week, Fleet Week Highlight Trade with Latin America Partners
CalChamber, October 17, 2025
Trade Overview
Colombia is an emerging economy that is providing California with a quickly expanding export market and opportunity for future collaboration. Located on the northwestern coast of South America, Colombia has a nominal GDP of $417 billion and a population of 52.7 million as of 2024. U.S. Department of Commerce
Colombia was the second country in South America to join the OECD, becoming a member in 2020, a decade after Chile.
U.S. – Colombia Trade
Since 2007, both U.S. and California exports to Colombia have nearly doubled. In 2025, two-way goods trade between the United States and Colombia was $37.21 billion with the U.S. exporting $19.40 billion of goods to Colombia. Top exports were chemicals ($3.64 billion), petroleum & coal products ($3.24 billion), agricultural products ($2.39 billion), processed food ($2.12 billion), and computer and electronic products ($1.47 billion).
The U.S. imported $17.81 billion of goods from Colombia. top imports to the U.S. were oil and gas ($4.76 billion), agricultural products ($4.59 billion), primary metal manufactures ($1.91 billion), petroleum and coal products ($1.24 million), and processed foods ($1.20 billion).
Services exports from the United States to Colombia in 2025 totaled $10.89 billion, with top exports being travel, transport services, telecommunications, computer, & information services, other business services, and financial services.
Imports in services from Colombia to the U.S. were $7.92 billion, with top imports being transportation services, travel, other business services, telecommunications, computer, & information services, and financial services.
California – Colombia Trade
In 2025, California goods exports to Colombia totaled $575 million. Top California exports to Colombia consisted of computer and electronic products ($171 million), processed foods ($89 million), non-electrical machinery ($83 million), chemicals ($77 million), and miscellaneous manufactures ($40 million). U.S. Department of Commerce
Total imports from Colombia in the same year were $1.40 billion. The top five imports from Colombia to California include oil and gas ($734 million), agricultural products ($420 million), processed foods ($120 million), electrical equipment, appliances & components ($30 million), and chemicals ($23 million). U.S. Department of Commerce
FDI – Colombia
According to 2024 figures, U.S. direct investment into Colombia was $7.2 billion and Colombian FDI based on balance of payments and direct investment position was $1.5 billion (Bureau of Economic Analysis). Colombian FDI into the U.S. supported 9,700 jobs and contributed a value of $138 million to expanding U.S. exports. Top industry sectors of Colombian FDI were business services, building materials, plastics, software and IT services, food and beverages, and consumer products. Select USA
Trade Agreements
Trade Agreements
U.S. – Colombia Free Trade Agreement
U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement Website
United States Trade Representative
In November 2006, the United States and Colombia signed a Free Trade Agreement (also referred to as a Trade Promotion Agreement). Colombia’s Congress approved the agreement in 2007.
On October 12, 2011, the US Congress passed the US – Colombia Free Trade Agreement by a vote of 262 – 167 in the House and 66 – 33 in the Senate.
|
U.S. – Colombia FTA: Final Votes California Delegation Noes: Baca, Bass, Becerra, Capps, Chu, Eshoo, Filner, Garamendi, Honda, Lee, Lofgren, Matsui, McNerney, Miller, Napolitano, Pelosi, Richardson, Roybal-Allard, Sanchez (Linda), Sanchez (Loretta), Schiff, Sherman, Speier, Stark, Thompson, Waters, Waxman, Woolsey, Boxer |
Per the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement offers tremendous opportunities for California’s exporters. When the Agreement enters into force, 80 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial exports to Colombia, including nearly all information technology products; mining, agriculture, and construction equipment; medical and scientific equipment; auto parts; paper products; and chemicals, will be duty-free immediately. The remaining tariffs phase out over 10 years.
U.S. farmers and ranchers will also become much more competitive, benefiting from immediate duty-free treatment of 77 percent of current U.S. agriculture exports. Key U.S. agriculture exports such as cotton, wheat, soybeans, high-quality beef, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and almonds will be duty-free upon entry into force of the Agreement. Colombia will phase out all other agricultural tariffs within 19 years.
October 2009 – Letter from Colombian Ambassador to CalChamber
CalChamber Position
The California Chamber of Commerce, in keeping with long-standing policy, enthusiastically supports free trade worldwide, expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad and elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California business. New multilateral, sectoral and regional trade agreements ensure that the United States may continue to gain access to world markets, resulting in an improved economy and additional employment of Americans.
Reasons for Position
- The Free Trade Agreement is a critical element of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives.
- Bilateral and regional agreements complement the possible goal of creating a Free Trade Area of the Americas.
- The FTA will increase momentum toward lowering trade barriers and set a positive example for other small economies in the Western Hemisphere.
Tourism
Tourism
Tourism continues to grow in Colombia with a record two years of increased performance. Official figures show that between January and May 2025, 1.9 million international visitors entered Colombia, a nearly 6.6% increase from the same period in 2024.
The tourism industry is one the primary focus of economic development in Colombia, which also brings it international visibility.
Colombia One, June 2025
Events
Events
Tech Week, Fleet Week Highlight Trade with Latin America Partners
Recognizing Fleet Week, Ambassador of Colombia to the United States, Dr. Daniel García-Peña, and Captain Luis Fernando Lara Cogollo, Commander of the Colombian Navy’s Training Ship ARC Gloria held a formal luncheon for 20 guests on October 9 while the ship docked in San Francisco.
Ambassador García-Peña and Consul General Sonia Marina Pereira Portilla used the presence of the Gloria in San Francisco as an opportunity to personally engage with leaders who maintain strong ties with Colombia and strengthen links with California’s business and trade community.
Colombia was the second country in South America to join the OECD, becoming a member in 2020, a decade after Chile.
Colombian Vice Consul Maria Melo testifies against AJR 27
(April 20, 2010) Colombian Vice Consul Maria Melo and CalChamber Vice President, Government Relations Marc Burgat testify on behalf of CalChamber against AJR 27, a California Resolution, which would impair trade between the U.S and Colombia
Profiles in Trade: Colombia Offers Growing Export Market for CalChamber Member Cange International
(April 3, 2008) Cange International Inc., a San Diego-based export management company and member of the California Chamber of Commerce, is keeping a close eye on the upcoming congressional vote on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Alert Article
Magazine ads such as this one placed by Solid Brass, distributor for Cange International Inc., help the company market its Viking products to Colombian consumers. Photo Courtesy of Cange International Inc.
Key Country Contacts
Resources
CalChamber Resources
- American Chamber of Commerce in Colombia
- Colombian Consulates in California
- International Trade FAQs