Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Colombia reached 89,223 t. External factors such as a significant drop in international prices for raw and salted leather reduced the profitability of exports. Simultaneously, footwear imports from China decreased domestic demand for natural leather, shifting preferences toward synthetic materials. Despite this, market volume grew to 91,035 t in 2019, supported by a sharp decline in hide exports to 2,867 t.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains in 2020, lowering market volume to 86,914 t. In 2021, government policies focused on increasing premium beef exports stimulated cattle slaughter, raising hide production to 92,752 t. However, a surge in hide exports to 8,416 t reduced domestic availability, contracting market volume further to 85,707 t.

By 2022, the market stabilized near 85,000 t. The post-pandemic revival of events like the Expocaquetá fair helped reactivate cattle trading networks, supporting sector activity. Market volume remained steady at 85,074 t in 2023 as the industry adapted to new market conditions.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Colombia ranked as the 19th largest producer of raw bovine and equine hides and skins globally.

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

Colombia's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 90 776 tonnes, a decrease of 3.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 2.1%, averaging an annual decline of 0.7%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 94 148 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 1.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Colombia's raw bovine and equine hides and skins output was 55 804 thousand US dollars, a sharp drop of 30.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 40.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 7.8%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of decline, Colombia's export volume of raw bovine and equine hides and skins increased in 2020. Exports reached 4 145 tonnes, a gain of 44.6% over the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, exports overall decreased by 68.8%, averaging an annual decline of 32.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 867 tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 62.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Hong Kong, and Mexico were consistently the main destinations for Colombia's raw bovine and equine hides and skins exports by volume. China accounted for 39.6% of exports, Hong Kong for 21.1%, and Mexico for 10.3%, together making up 71.0% 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

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with a 5.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Colombia amounted to 2 548 thousand US dollars, a modest increase of 3.3% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 468 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 70.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Hong Kong, and Mexico remained the principal buyers of Colombia's raw bovine and equine hides and skins by value. China accounted for 37.8% of export value, Hong Kong for 26.7%, and Mexico for 9.8%, collectively representing 74.4% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Colombia's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins totalled 284 tonnes, a sharp increase of 377.9% compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 59 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 44.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Spain were the dominant suppliers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Colombia by volume, together accounting for 82.5% of total imports. Other partners played a less significant role.

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 data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2017 and bottomed in 2019, with a 5.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Colombia imported 230 thousand US dollars worth of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, a gain of 372.0% relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 49 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 62.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Spain together formed the majority of Colombia's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins by value. The United States accounted for 57.5% of total flows and Spain for 30.8%, making up 88.3% of total imports in value terms, with other partners accounting for the remainder.

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

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