Colombia is experiencing its best year ever for meat exports
In a year marked by trade tensions, rural insecurity, and a dollar that forces every production decision to be carefully considered, the livestock sector ended up being a surprise. According to Fedegán, the sector's trade association, in just nine months, Colombia has already surpassed the total value of its meat exports for all of 2024.
And it did so with a protagonist that reshapes the business map: China, whose demand for Colombian protein became the engine of expansion.
Between January and September, Colombia exported 25,105 tons of meat to more than 20 destinations. This translates to USD 121.5 million, exceeding the USD 106.5 million achieved during all of 2024.
“There is confidence from the countries that purchase 100% Colombian meat and dairy products. We will continue to grow, you can be sure of that”, said Félix Lafaurie, executive president of the trade association.
Including meat, offal, live animals, and dairy products, the total value reaches USD 319.3 million.
This is the buyer map:
China alone accounted for USD 70 million, that is, more than half of all the value exported in meat, almost three times that of Algeria and five times more than Chile.
The situation could change if the Asian giant adjusts standards, changes suppliers, or increases health restrictions.
The other side of the business, the export of live cattle, also remains strong. In nine months, 195,356 animals were sold abroad for USD 150.5 million.
The main buyers were:
In addition to this, there is another less visible but important category: offal. Colombia exported 3,838 tons, mainly to Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Russia, for USD 10 million.
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