Maize market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Colombia's maize market volume grew from 6.8 million tons to 7.6 million tons. This expansion was primarily driven by imports of subsidized corn from the United States, facilitated by economic opening programs and limited sanitary controls at ports. In 2020, the temporary suspension of import tariffs on hard yellow maize due to the COVID-19 pandemic further reduced costs, encouraging additional shipments to meet domestic demand.

The market continued to expand, reaching 8.4 million tons in 2022. Domestic production rose significantly, supported by a government goal to expand white maize planting by 50,000 hectares and programs offering price coverage and exchange rate management for technified producers. However, imports remained high due to persistent U.S. agricultural subsidies and insufficient quality controls, which allowed lower-grade corn to enter. The announced gradual elimination of tariffs on U.S. corn imports by 2025 also prompted earlier import increases.

In 2023, market volume declined to 8.0 million tons and domestic production fell to 1.7 million tons. This adjustment occurred alongside an increase in the area sown with genetically modified maize, which reached 142,711 hectares. The government's 'Soya Maíz: Proyecto País' strategy aimed to boost national output and reduce import dependence through research and development involving public and private actors.

Production maize in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Colombia's maize production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 1 395 thousand tonnes, while in 2020 it remained relatively stable at 1 393 thousand tonnes. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 3.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Colombia's maize output was valued at 4 499 million US dollars, reflecting a slight decrease of 2.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 9.2%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 100 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 17.3%, while the largest increase was observed in 2019, when production value rose by 12.6%.

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

Exports maize from Colombia

Exports in kind, K t

Colombia's maize exports showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 1 thousand tonnes, while in 2019 they peaked at 1 thousand tonnes, representing a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports stood at 1 thousand tonnes, marking a reduction of 15.4% compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 40.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 86.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Chile formed the core of Colombia's maize exports in volume terms. Venezuela accounted for 47.4% of exports, Ecuador for 15.5%, and Chile for 13.3%. Together, these three countries represented 76.2% 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, M $ US

Colombia's maize export values exhibited volatility over the observed period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point at 2 million US dollars, while in 2017 they peaked, showing a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export value stood at 3 million US dollars, reflecting a drop of 17.4% compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 52.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 107.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama were the main buyers of Colombian maize in value terms. Venezuela accounted for 52.9% of exports, Ecuador for 20.7%, and Panama for 8.3%. Together, these three markets comprised 81.9% 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 maize to Colombia

Imports in kind, K t

Colombia's maize imports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 6 162 thousand tonnes, which corresponds to a gain of 2.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 25%, equating to an average annual increase of 7.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Colombia's maize imports in volume terms, accounting for 86.3% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively small 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, M $ US

Colombia's maize import values increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 1 222 million US dollars, reflecting an uptick of 2.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 33.1%, which translates to an average annual increase of 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the dominant partner for Colombia's maize imports in value terms, with a share of 83.5% of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail with smaller contributions.

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

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