Yams market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

The yam market in Colombia expanded from 347.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 413.5 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was primarily driven by a rising consumer preference for frozen and processed foods, spurred by changing habits such as the demand for convenience while working from home. The entry of new players like Bimbo with its frozen bread line and increased investment in digital distribution channels further stimulated market volume. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated this trend, as households sought longer-lasting food options, boosting demand for frozen yams and similar products.

After peaking in 2020, the market experienced a modest contraction to 397.7 thousand tons in 2021 and 393.5 thousand tons in 2022, influenced by persistent global supply chain disruptions that affected logistics and availability. Regulatory actions, including the prohibition against selling thawed meat as chilled to protect consumers, underscored the importance of cold chain integrity. By 2023, the market recovered to 403.2 thousand tons, supported by sustained consumer interest in frozen foods, professionalization of cold storage, and the opening of new international export avenues for fresh and frozen produce, which reinforced infrastructure and market stability.

Production yams in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia ranked as the world's eighth-largest producer of yams.

Top producers of yams, 2017-2020

World map of production of yams, 2017-2020

Yam production in Colombia grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 423.9 thousand tons of yams, marking a modest year-on-year increase of 3.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 16.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 357.9 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest growth, with production increasing by 14.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, yam production in Colombia declined in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 319.6 million US dollars, representing a 12.8% decrease from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 366.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 29.2%.

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

Exports yams from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, yam exports from Colombia reached 10 429 tons, showing a significant 12.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 53.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 439 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 53.3%. In 2019, exports declined by 10.8%, marking the largest drop during this period.

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

From 2017 to 2020, nearly all yam exports from Colombia in volume terms were directed to the United States, which accounted for 98.4% of total shipments.

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 export market for yams from Colombia showed volatility during the observed period. Exports fluctuated by 1.7-fold from their lowest point in 2017 to their peak in 2019. In 2020, the value of yam exports amounted to 7 864 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate contraction of 5.7% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 343 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 72.8% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, yam exports from Colombia were primarily shipped to the United States, which absorbed 98.3% 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 yams to Colombia

According to market analysis, Colombia did not import any yams from 2017 to 2020.