Browse Data and Analysis

Colombia’s economy is projected to grow at a slower pace in 2023, restricting a more substantial growth in demand for grains in marketing year (MY) 2022/23. Although the United States continues to be the main sourcing option for Colombian importers of corn given trade preferences under the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and geographical advantages, increasing competition from Brazilian and Argentinian corn is expected.

FAS Manila forecasts demand for dairy products to increase 3 percent in 2023, the same percentage of increase as 2022, with a total demand of 3 million metric tons (MT) in liquid milk equivalent (LME). The Philippines imports 99 percent of its dairy requirement, as domestic production cannot meet demand. Following demand increases, dairy imports will recover in 2023 as the economy improves, most of the population is vaccinated, and customers return to restaurants.

This report outlines Colombia’s requirements for import permits and export certificates for multiple food products for human and animal consumption. It also provides a list of the Colombian government agencies involved in the entry of imported food products.

This report is an annual update of the food import standards and enforcement mechanisms in Colombia. It includes updates on nutritional labeling, biotechnology and new information on sustainable packaging policies and trade facilitation in Colombia.

An overview of Basic and Prime Commodities as defined by the Price Act or "An Act Providing Protection to Consumers by Stabilizing the Prices of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities and by prescribing measures against Undue Price Increases during Emergency Situations and Like Occasions" and tariff and value added tax rates applied to the various food and agricultural products.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) continue to collaborate on the Renewable Energy Program for the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector (REP AFS) to undertake programs aimed at boosting the country’s energy and food security.

The Philippines supplies only one percent of its total dairy requirement, which makes it a competitive market for imported dairy products. The United States and New Zealand are the top two suppliers, the U.S. being the leader. Post sees overall dairy imports recovering in 2022, as the economy reopens, most of the population becomes vaccinated, and business operations expand, all of which will accelerate dairy consumption.

Although the Hotel Restaurant Institutional (HRI) sector in Colombia performed better in 2021, compared to 2020, the sector still faced challenges that hindered a full recovery from the pandemic, including social unrest and high food prices.

FAS Manila adjusted marketing year (MY) 2023 raw sugar production down to 1.85 million metric tons (MT). The weather disturbances and low fertilizer application due to soaring fertilizer prices drastically affected sugarcane production in the Philippines.

FAS Manila revised MY 2022/23 milled rice production downward to 11.975 million MT both because of a 3 percent expected reduction in yields as soaring fertilizer prices result in significantly reduced application and because of the effects of Typhoon Noru (Local name: Karding).

With the further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, increased consumer mobility resulted in higher foot traffic in restaurants and hotels. Consumers have become more confident in dining in restaurants.