Surge in Dairy Imports Puts Pressure on Colombia's Local Producers

A substantial increase in dairy imports during the first half of 2025 in Colombia has set off alarm bells among local producers, who are concerned about the sector's sustainability. The imports have seen a significant surge, which has worried national producers. Farmers and milk producers warn that this trend endangers the local industry's sustainability.

The increase in imports is driven by economic liberalization and new trade agreements. While these measures aim to diversify the market and offer competitive prices to consumers, Colombian producers argue they can't compete on equal terms due to high production costs, lack of infrastructure, and tax burdens.

Colombian producers face a tough choice: cut prices to maintain market share, risking profitability, or keep prices steady and face potential displacement by imports. This situation endangers thousands of direct and indirect jobs within the dairy supply chain, particularly in rural areas.

In light of this, farmer associations and the dairy industry have called on the National Government to implement protective measures, such as reviewing tariffs, promoting national production, and strengthening exports. Their concern is that if the current trend persists, Colombia's dairy industry may face an uncertain future.