Figs market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the volume of the fig market in Colombia decreased from 2 510 tons to 2 374 tons. This contraction coincided with widespread low profitability in cultivation, where farmers reported losing up to 80% of their harvest during high-yield seasons. Difficulties in accessing international markets due to stringent agri-food standards further limited growth opportunities, despite emerging interest in figs as a profitable crop and experiments with innovative planting models in warmer regions.

The market recovered over the next two years, reaching 2 669 tons by 2021. This expansion was supported by the sustained and growing interest in fresh fig cultivation as a viable agricultural alternative, which helped boost domestic consumption amid increasing consumer demand.

From 2022, the market volume began to decline again, falling to 2 359 tons in 2023. This shift occurred as Colombian fig exports expanded significantly, reaching 33 countries between early 2022 and early 2023. The strong growth in external demand and export shipments redirected supply away from the domestic market, reducing locally available volumes even as commercial activity and demand within the country continued to develop.

Production figs in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Colombia was among the world's top fig producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 30th globally by production volume.

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

In 2020, Colombia produced 2 670 tonnes of figs, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 10.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest production was recorded in 2019 at 2 413 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, fig production in Colombia rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 11 923 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp year-over-year increase of 42.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 10.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 382 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 20.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports figs from Colombia

Exports in kind, kg

In 2020, Colombia's fig export volume was 55 874 kilograms, representing a modest increase of 2.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 13.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 4.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 54 717 kilograms, while the highest was in 2018 at 69 790 kilograms. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 21.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (32.0% of exports in kind), Canada (13.4%), and France (9.0%) were the key destinations for Colombia's fig exports, collectively accounting for 54.3% of total export 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 fig exports amounted to 249.5 thousand US dollars, a 31.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12%, with an annualized decline rate of 4.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 190.1 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 286.8 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 33.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (30.5% of exports in value terms), Canada (12.5%), and the United Arab Emirates (9.8%) consistently remained the main destinations for Colombia's fig exports, together making up 52.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports figs to Colombia

Imports in kind, kg

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Colombia's fig imports from abroad were 11 822 kilograms, marking a robust decrease of 23.0% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 292 kilograms, and the maximum was in 2019 at 15 351 kilograms. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 58.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 190.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey dominated Colombia's fig imports in kind, accounting for 86.7% of the total, with the remaining volume distributed among many countries with smaller individual shares.

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

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Import values varied 2.5 times from the low in 2018 to the high in 2019. In 2020, Colombia's fig imports from abroad amounted to 106.9 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 2.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 44.1 thousand US dollars, and the maximum was in 2019 at 109.6 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 53.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 148.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey effectively monopolized Colombia's fig imports in value terms, capturing 91.3% of total import flows.

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

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