Colombian exports for the Chinese consumer: outlook from the Colombian market
The Colombian market is bringing their best products to China. Here is what you need to know about Colombian exports to the asian market.
For Colombia’s government, traders and business owners, China is a coveted business destination for Colombian exports. Currently, their joint efforts to reach the Asian market are paying off. Bearing opportunities to the Latin American country, China’s consumers can now enjoy exceptional products from the finest origin.
One of the biggest events focusing on promoting business deals and Colombian exports took place in Shanghai during 2019. The conference was led and organized by ProColombia, the official agency that facilitates the trade and acquisition of Colombian products.
During the Shanghai 2019 conference, there were more than a thousand appointments between traders from 13 different countries and business representatives from 16 Colombian departments. Businesses were made with figures of US $2.6 million and there were deals for an additional US $42.1 million.
Colombia has also taken part in other international fairs such as Hotelex, Hortiflorexpo and the China International Import Expo (CIIE). You can find all the information about Colombia’s trade on the official website: www.procolombia.co/en.
Main Colombian exports to China’s market
The non-mining exports from Colombia to China increased by 31% in 2020 compared with the previous year.
In 2019, exports to China from Colombia totalled US $4.5 billion. In 2020, even amidst the Covid-19 crisis, exports reached US $2.7 billion. Non-mining exports grew by 31% in 2020 compared to 2019 and reached a total of US $90 million.
In fact, the agricultural products sector registered the biggest exports among non-mining products. There was US $41 million spent on agri-food products exported from Colombia to China. This figure represents an increase of 48% in 2020 exports compared to 2019.
Colombian exports of coffee to China
Colombian Coffee is carefully handled.
Colombian coffee is among the most cherished products for China’s consumers. Just regarding green Colombian coffee beans, Colombia exported an amount of US $24 million to China, during 2020. This is 43% more than the coffee exports from the previous year. The coffee origin stands out as Colombia’s geographical conditions allow continuous production throughout the year. Each variety acquires a unique taste characterized by the region where it grows.
There is a wide variety of specialty coffees and freeze-dried coffee products ready to export. On coffee derivatives, the exports reached US $4.9 million, surpassing the previous year’s figures of US $2.1 million.
Colombian fruits reaching China’s market
Colombian avocado and bananas of the highest quality are available for China’s consumers. After reaching US $7.5 million, bananas are one of the products with an extraordinary rise in exports for 2020: 85% more than 2019 exports. In other fresh fruits, including avocados, sales totaled US $427,616.
Colombian fruits such as bananas are reaching Chinese markets.
At the moment, Colombia is Europe's first top supplier of avocado. The hass variety is likely to become an important product for the asian market too. At the end of May, 2020 the very first shipment of Colombian avocado sailed from Colombia to China. The shipload was carrying 23 tons of the fresh fruit. China is also importing healthy snacks, confectioneries and other food products from Colombia.
Colombian Fresh Flowers brighten up decorations
Colombia's national flower, the cattleya orchid, is a delightful and delicate species that will stand out at any event or decoration. There are also hortensias, roses, chrysanthemums, hibiscus and coloured hydrangeas that can be exported from Colombia.
Currently, the country is the second-largest fresh flower market in the world, and its horticulture industry is exporting to various destinations. The United States, England and Japan are among the main buyers. During 2020, the fresh flowers exports to China was worth US $1.2 million.
Colombian exports of other industries to China
The exports to China from Colombia's chemicals sector reached US $27 million in 2020. This is an increase of 31% compared with the figures of 2019. In the metalwork and other industries, a smaller rise was registered: 17%. These exports added to 13.2 million in 2020. For example, wood and wooden furniture the exports to China were US $6.8 million.
Find notable examples of Colombia's design and use of materials and techniques on Design Room Colombia, the digital platform highlighting Colombian talent on interior and exterior design.
In the fashion industries, US $8.6 million was generated on Colombian exports to China. Colombian leather is a distinctive material appreciated for its character and versatility. The material exports were US $3.5 million in 2020. As for clothing materials, Colombian exports were US $4.7 million.
Colombian products like bathing or swimming suits, design clothing and control clothing hold an international reputation for quality and design. The clothing industry exports to China had a remarkable growth, considering 2019 sales: US$ 438,420. There are great expectations regarding the sector exports for 2021.
4.0 industries are another industry where Colombian exports have space to grow. For China's consumers market, Colombia is producing engaging software for education, learning and subtitling services.
Colombian companies ready to trade on E-commerce
Many Colombian companies have accelerated the creation or consolidation of their E-commerce services. Changes were made during 2020 to reach consumers and use digitalization to reach specialized markets beyond national borders. ProColombia has a well established marketplace for B2B commerce. This site has listed all the ready-to-export products and offers a quick tool to find products or allies within the Colombian market. You can access the Colombian B2B marketplace here.
The expectations regarding China's opening to Colombian exports are substantial for 2021. In April, 2021 the event to promote the country's exports, namely Macrorueda 85, will be held. This year's event will be online. The aim is to connect Chinese buyers with Colombian exporters of great potential. For November, ProColombia will have a stand at the China International Import Exhibition. Keep connected to the ProColombia office in China. Colombian exports are showing inmissable business opportunities.
ProColombia is the official agency leading the way for and promoting the visibility of Colombia’s products in foreign markets. This agency has a strong will and knowhow, making business possible across cultures in far away continents. ProColombia is also promoting foreign direct investment in Colombia.
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