May 2025 Trade Snapshot: Colombia’s Imports Rise by 5.87%, Led by U.S. and China

In May 2025, Colombia's total import value reached $6.13 billion, reflecting a 5.87% increase from April’s $5.79 billion. This uptick was supported by an expansion in trade activity, as the country recorded 331,782 import transactions across the month. The surge also coincided with a rise in active importers, underscoring a robust recovery in demand across key industrial sectors.

Over the past six months, Colombia’s import volume demonstrated a steady upward trend, particularly after a dip in early 2025. From December 2024’s $5.65 billion, the figure declined slightly in January and February, followed by consecutive growth through March, April, and May. Notably, the number of domestic import companies climbed from 11,709 in February to 13,205 in May, while the total monthly transaction count increased by over 30,000 entries within the same period. This suggests growing commercial engagement and a diversification in sourcing activity.

Among Colombia’s top ten import partners in May 2025, the United States maintained its leading position with $1.747 billion in trade value. A total of 4,258 Colombian importers were active in transactions with the U.S., involving 2,745 suppliers and over 5,700 product categories—a testament to the deep and varied commercial ties, particularly in pharmaceuticals, machinery, and electronics.

China ranked second with $913 million in imports. Trade was conducted by 5,809 Colombian companies sourcing from 2,785 Chinese exporters, encompassing over 8,300 distinct product categories, the highest among all partners. This highlights China’s role as a broad-spectrum supplier, especially in consumer electronics and industrial goods.

Panama stood out with $341 million in trade, facilitated by 774 Colombian firms and 1,658 Panamanian suppliers. As a strategic transshipment and re-export hub, Panama’s importance lies in its logistical advantage and flexibility across diverse commodity types.

Switzerland followed closely with $325 million in imports. Although involving a relatively modest 385 Colombian importers, they engaged with 1,136 Swiss exporters in high-value segments such as chemicals, precision instruments, and medical devices.

The remaining six partners—Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Korea, Chile, and even Colombia itself (for intra-national re-importation)—collectively contributed a significant volume of diversified imports. Their combined presence underscores the geographic and sectoral variety in Colombia’s external trade ecosystem.

The fastest-growing trade relationships in May were led by Moldova, which recorded a 22,017.78% month-on-month surge, reaching $475,859 from just $2,151 in April. While the absolute figure remains modest, this exponential rise may reflect a new trade channel opening, likely involving agricultural or chemical goods.

Croatia and Malta also saw dramatic increases—4,977.76% and 2,777.82% respectively—suggesting emerging niche trade flows or first-time large-volume contracts. Meanwhile, Andorra’s 1,689% surge and Morocco’s significant jump to $3.25 million (+714.16%) reinforce the trend of Colombia tapping into less traditional sourcing markets for specific categories.

From a product perspective, urea-based nitrogenous fertilizers (HS Code 310210) topped the growth charts, up 156.48% month-on-month to $41 million. Major importers included PRECISAGRO S.A.S., NITROFERT S.A.S, and ARARAS NUTRICION S A S, reflecting heightened demand in Colombia’s agribusiness sector.

In the machinery segment (HS Code 847989), imports surged nearly 100%, led by EMGESA S A ESP, THE ELITE FLOWER SAS C I, and ENERLAND 2007 FOTOVOLTAICA SL, pointing to expansion in energy and automation sectors.

Television and video display equipment (HS Code 852872) recorded an 87.11% jump, with top importers such as SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COLOMBIA S.A., ALKOSTO S.A., and LG ELECTRONICS COL LTDA. responding to rising consumer electronics demand.

Pharmaceuticals (HS Code 300215) also grew significantly, with leading firms like ASTRAZENECA COLOMBIA S.A.S., MERCK SHARP AND DOHME COLOMBIA S A S, and PRODS ROCHE S A showing strong activity.

The most valuable category remained light petroleum oils (HS Code 271012), which rose by 41.99% to a massive $325.9 million. Key importers included ECOPETROL S.A., REFINERIA DE CARTAGENA S.A, and FRONTERA ENERGY COL CORP SUC COL, underscoring continued demand from Colombia’s refining and energy sectors.

In conclusion, Colombia’s import performance in May 2025 signals strong momentum, especially in high-value sectors such as energy, electronics, machinery, and agrochemicals. The rise in both volume and diversity of trade partners suggests growing resilience and complexity in the country’s trade structure. Moving forward, continued monitoring of emerging partners and product categories will be key to understanding Colombia’s evolving import dynamics.