Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for beef, sheep, and goat fat in Colombia decreased from 43 091 t in 2018 to 32 879 t in 2020. This decline was primarily driven by a sharp drop in imports, which fell by over 50% during the period. Concurrently, the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) implemented regulations to improve sanitary conditions and animal welfare in sheep and goat production. Resolution 20277 of 2018 established good livestock practices to strengthen market access, while Resolution 136 of 2020 introduced mandatory welfare guidelines and training for handlers.

After a temporary recovery to 36 546 t in 2021, the market contracted further to 30 204 t by 2023. Imports ceased completely from 2022, and exports began, reaching 1 760 t in 2023. Regulatory developments continued, with new nutritional labeling rules (Resolutions 810/2021 and 2492/2022) affecting animal fat products. The Ministry of Agriculture's Productive Ordering Plan for the sheep-goat chain aimed to expand the national herd significantly over the long term. Technical cooperation with Canada focused on enhancing production techniques, and the ICA advanced welfare assessment methodologies to boost sector productivity.

By 2024, additional measures had been introduced, including updated trans-fat labeling limits and new slaughterhouse regulations to improve sanitary standards and meat affordability. These measures, along with growth in the animal feed market, represent continued evolution in the sector. Despite regulatory support, domestic production of fats remained stable around 32 000–34 000 t, with the overall market volume reduction largely attributed to the disappearance of imports and the rise of exports.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia ranked 29th globally in the production volume of beef, sheep, or goat fat.

Top producers of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

Colombia's production of beef, sheep, or goat fat declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 33 453 tons, marking a 3.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production fell by 2.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 34 695 tons, with the largest year-on-year increase of 1.4% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Colombia exported 4 415 tons of beef, sheep, or goat fat, representing a dramatic year-on-year surge of 5,310.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Colombia's exports in kind were heavily concentrated, with the United States absorbing 100.0% of the total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Colombia's exports of beef, sheep, or goat fat totaled 2 365 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp year-on-year increase of 5,590.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms remained highly focused on the United States, which accounted for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Colombia in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Colombia's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat stood at 3 842 tons, a 23.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 396 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 40.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 118.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Colombia's imports in kind were highly concentrated, with the United States alone accounting for 90.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports varied by 2.3 times between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2018. In 2020, Colombia's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat reached 2 961 thousand US dollars, down 26.9% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 811 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 40.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 133.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the import market in value terms was highly concentrated, with the United States responsible for 92.7% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Colombia in value, 2017-2020