Dairy Imports Impact Colombian Producers Despite Slight Decline in Volume
Between January and December 2024, Colombia imported over 62,000 tons of powdered milk and other dairy products. Although there was a decrease compared to 2023, the volume remained among the highest in recent years, creating significant impacts.
High Imports Despite Decline
In 2024, the Colombian dairy industry purchased 62,220 tons of dairy products from abroad, valued at over $196.1 million. This marked a 13.8% drop in volume compared to 2023. However, the financial burden remained substantial, affecting local producers.
According to Óscar Cubillos of Fedegán-FNG, imported dairy accounts for 15.7% of the national liquid milk collection. In simpler terms, out of every 100 liters of milk processed by national food industries, sixteen are imported.
Double Negative Impact
The substantial import volume has resulted in a double negative impact on the local dairy industry. Firstly, it has displaced 528 million liters of locally sourced milk. Secondly, the market oversupply has caused dairy prices to fall, further straining producers.
Efforts for National Products
Local companies like Cosmolac are pushing to replace imported powdered milk with locally produced alternatives. Camila Serrano of Cosmolac emphasizes the need for high-quality local production to support Colombian farmers and reduce reliance on foreign products.
Leading Exporters
The United States remains the leading exporter to Colombia, contributing 36,853 tons of dairy imports in 2024. Other significant exporters include Chile, Bolivia, and members of the European Union, benefiting from trade agreements facilitating these exchanges.
Despite efforts to curtail the influx of foreign dairy products, the high import volume continues to challenge the recovery and growth of the national dairy sector.
