Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Colombia grew steadily from 1 150 thousand tons to 1 273 thousand tons, while the market volume increased from 1 147 thousand tons to 1 261 thousand tons. This consistent expansion reflected gradual increases in output and consumption over the period.

In 2022, production jumped to 1 356 thousand tons and market volume reached 1 350 thousand tons. This accelerated growth was driven by heightened domestic demand for wheat flour due to shifting consumer habits and mandatory fortification policies, which stimulated milling activity. At the same time, the cultivated wheat area in Colombia nearly doubled from 2 600 hectares in 2021 to 4 583 hectares in 2022, and new capacity investments—such as Harinera del Valle's plant in Barranquilla—boosted production capabilities. Temporary tariff suspensions under Decree 1174 and the zero-tariff free trade agreement on wheat also helped lower import costs for millers.

Growth continued at a more moderate pace in 2023, with production reaching 1 385 thousand tons and market volume 1 369 thousand tons. This reflected the consolidation of earlier capacity expansions and sustained consumer demand for flour-based products.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

Colombia's production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1,253 thousand tons, marking a modest 4.0% rise from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1,150 thousand tons, which saw a slight decline of 0.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase at 4.7%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2018 at 3,790 tons, which represented a sharp decline of 53.6%. By 2020, exports had surged to 18,477 tons, a 34.1% increase from 2019 and the highest level recorded, resulting in a 4.9-fold difference between the peak and trough years. The most substantial growth occurred in 2019 with a remarkable 263.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Venezuela was the dominant export partner for Colombia in terms of volume, accounting for 89.2% of total exports. Other markets played a relatively minor role in comparison.

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

Export values experienced notable volatility over these years. The minimum was in 2018 at 2,741 thousand US dollars, with a significant drop of 68.7%. In 2020, exports reached 11,649 thousand US dollars, the highest point, showing a 61.9% increase from 2019 and creating a 4.2-fold gap between the extremes. The largest jump was in 2019, with a 162.5% rise.

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

During 2017–2020, Venezuela held the leading position in export value, making up 87.4% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

Colombia's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1,291 tons, reflecting a solid 13.5% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 44.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 865 tons, which saw a minor decline of 3.2%. The most significant increase was in 2019, with a 31.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico and the United States were the primary sources for Colombia's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals by volume. Other countries contributed individually smaller amounts.

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

Colombia's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 775 thousand US dollars, representing a strong 19.6% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 83.9%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 22.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Mexico and the United States remained the key import partners in value terms, together accounting for 86.3% of total imports. Other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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