Natural latex in primary forms market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for natural latex in Colombia expanded strongly from 16 255 t in 2018 to 28 842 t in 2023, driven primarily by a more than doubling of domestic production from 7 500 t to 19 872 t over the same period. Imports remained a significant supply source, fluctuating between 8 200 t and 10 800 t annually to support the growing total consumption.

Market growth was most pronounced in 2021, reaching 28 566 t, before stabilizing around the 28 500 t level in 2022 and 2023. This period coincided with a notable rise in exports, which increased from an average of under 600 t before 2021 to over 1 500 t in 2022, reflecting the increased capacity of local production.

In 2024, several new regulatory frameworks came into effect, including Law 2387 which amended environmental sanctioning procedures, and laws extending cosmetic labeling adaptation deadlines and introducing new e-commerce provisions. Concurrently, broader industry trends such as rising global demand from the automotive sector and a consumer shift toward natural and sustainable products were noted as influencing the regional market context.

Production natural latex in primary forms in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia maintained the 26th position globally in terms of production volume for natural latex in primary forms.

Top producers of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

World map of production of natural latex in primary forms, 2017-2020

Colombia's production of natural latex in primary forms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 14 000 tonnes, marking a 15.7% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 16.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 7 500 tonnes, representing a 37.5% decline. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 61.4% rise.

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

Exports natural latex in primary forms from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for natural latex in primary forms from Colombia exhibited significant volatility during the observed period. Exports varied dramatically, with a 357-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, exports amounted to 142 tonnes, a 77.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak was reached in 2019 at 620 tonnes, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018, soaring by 31 465.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Colombia's exports of natural latex in primary forms were heavily concentrated on Ecuador, which accounted for 88.8% of total flows. The remaining share, {rest_share}%, was distributed among other countries.

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

Colombia's export value of natural latex in primary forms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 867 thousand US dollars, up by 79.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value surged by 9 696.7%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 361.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador and the United States were the primary buyers of natural latex in primary forms from Colombia in value terms, together accounting for 96.3% of total exports. Other destinations each held relatively minor shares.

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

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

Imports natural latex in primary forms to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Colombia's imports of natural latex in primary forms totaled 8 766 tonnes, a 6.7% increase from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 212 tonnes, which represented an 11.7% decline. The highest volume occurred in 2018 at 9 304 tonnes.

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

During 2017–2020, imports of natural latex in primary forms into Colombia were almost entirely sourced from Guatemala, with its share reaching 98.6%.

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

After two years of decline, Colombia's import value of natural latex in primary forms rebounded in 2020. Imports totaled 10 698 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 6.9% rise compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 27.3%, averaging an annual decline of 10.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 005 thousand US dollars, marking a 23.9% drop.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Guatemala dominated Colombia's imports of natural latex in primary forms in value terms, consistently representing 98.4% of total flows.

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

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