2026.09.2115:25:09UTC+00Colombia Trade Deficit Hits Historical Series High

Colombia recorded a trade deficit of $3.28 billion in July 2026, widening from a $2.05 billion shortfall in the same month a year earlier and reaching the largest deficit since records began in 1980. Imports rose 22.9% year on year to $7.97 billion. Manufacturing imports increased 16.1%, driven by a 24% rise in purchases of machinery and transport equipment and an 11% increase in chemicals and related products. Imports of agricultural goods, food, and beverages grew 26.3%, mainly reflecting a 27.2% increase in purchases of food products and live animals. Imports of fuels and extractive industry products jumped 77.3%, led by a 79.6% surge in imports of petroleum, petroleum products, and related items. Exports totaled $4.69 billion, up 5.9% year on year, largely supported by a 51.6% increase in the “other sectors” category, driven by higher exports of non-monetary gold. Fuels and extractive industry products, which represented 40% of total exports, rose 8.3%.