Palm nuts and kernels market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

Colombian palm nuts and kernels production showed notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. The market volume grew modestly from 8 268 thousand tons in 2018 to 8 390 thousand tons in 2019, before contracting sharply to 7 173 thousand tons in 2020. A recovery phase followed, with production reaching 7 886 thousand tons in 2021, 8 023 thousand tons in 2022, and 8 317 thousand tons by 2023.

The rebound from 2021 onward was supported by external demand, notably from Colombia's role as a relevant exporter of palm nuts and kernels to Mexico, which helped lift production. In 2022, export opportunities continued to underpin the market despite the localized impact of the Pudrición de Cogollo disease in the Magdalena department, which affected output in the North Zone. A concurrent decline in edible oil inflation, driven by lower international prices, likely fostered domestic consumption of palm oil products, indirectly supporting demand for raw nuts and kernels.

By 2023, a 1.2% increase in palm kernel oil sales to 122 thousand tons indicated stronger processing activity, while rising consumer preference for plant-based foods and beverages in Colombia further stimulated demand for palm-derived products. Throughout this period, the sector navigated evolving regulatory challenges, including stricter traceability requirements for access to international markets such as Europe.

Production palm nuts and kernels in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Colombia ranked as the 5th largest producer of palm nuts and kernels from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of palm nuts and kernels, 2017-2020

World map of production of palm nuts and kernels, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, Colombia's production volume of palm nuts and kernels declined. In 2020, the country produced 7 173 K t, marking a significant drop of 14.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 8 390 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 4.5%.

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

Exports palm nuts and kernels from Colombia

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 4 932 kg and peaked in 2019 at 23 669 kg, representing a 4.8-fold variation. In 2020, Colombia's cross-border shipments of palm nuts and kernels amounted to 5 998 kg, down by 74.7% from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 379.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Colombia's exports in kind were Venezuela, accounting for 47.7% of exports, Mexico at 16.2%, and Guatemala at 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented 71.4% 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 foreign supplies of palm nuts and kernels in value terms amounted to 1 148 K US dollars, reflecting a 23.2% reduction from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 29.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 26.3%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 23.9%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras were the primary destinations for Colombia's palm nuts and kernels exports in value terms, with shares of 25.3%, 17.7%, and 15.8% respectively. Together, they absorbed 58.9% 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 palm nuts and kernels to Colombia

Imports in kind, kg

The import market showed volatility over the observed period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, changing by a factor of 2.8. In 2020, palm nuts and kernels deliveries to Colombia amounted to 2 736 kg, up by 54.1% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 88.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of palm nuts and kernels to Colombia were almost entirely tied to Costa Rica, which accounted for 97.7% 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

The volume of palm nuts and kernels imports to Colombia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 592 K US dollars, up by 47.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 199.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 44.1%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Costa Rica was the key and nearly sole market for imports in value terms of palm nuts and kernels to Colombia, accounting for 99.7% 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