Colombian products replace Chinese exports to the U.S.
Photo: IPFonline.
In the midst of growing tensions between the United States and China, the U.S. government has sought to diversify its supply chains in favor of regional markets and has found in Colombia an alternative to a number of Chinese imports.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 17 Colombian products — out of the 108 identified by the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Colombia) — have increased their presence in the U.S. market, taking advantage of the decrease in imports from China.
During the first five months of 2024, said Colombian exports to the United States reached US$885 million, representing a 12% growth compared to the US$790 million recorded in the same period last year.
María Claudia Lacouture, president of AmCham Colombia, pointed out that, in the current geopolitical context, the United States is showing a more open trade policy to suppliers from nearby countries with shared values, highlighting that Colombia, with a strong bilateral relationship and an FTA in place, is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.
Among the Colombian products that have successfully replaced Chinese imports in the United States are cocoa butter, fat and oil, with exports of US$2.8 million (a 17% increase); roof tiles and chimney elements, with US$1.3 million (+33%); hydrogen chloride, with US$648,507 (+30%); and charcoal, with US$834,683 (+32%).
Other notable products include vinyl chloride polymers, fruits such as dates, figs, pineapples, avocados and mangoes, cereal flour, braided hats, and fruits and groceries, among others.
Lacouture concluded that, in addition to its strategic geographic location, Colombia stands out for its potential in economic diversification, which makes it an attractive ally for the United States as it grapples with the ongoing trade tension between Washington and Beijing.
To maximize the potential of this alliance, AmCham Colombia is set to organize a business conference in Bogota on September 10 and 11, where 200 U.S. buyers will meet with 400 Colombian exporters of agricultural produce, manufacturing, fashion and cosmetics.
This collaboration is part of the Alliance for Economic Prosperity in the Americas (APEP), a U.S. government initiative that seeks to strengthen supply chains and foster cooperation between allied countries in Latin America. As part of these efforts, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an investment of US$3 billion in sustainable projects in the region, in addition to US$30 million to improve cybersecurity.
Main source:
Colombia exporta más a EE.UU. y reemplaza a productos chinos – El Nuevo Siglo.
Other related sources:
Colombia ‘le corrió la butaca’ a China en la exportación de 17 productos a EE. UU. – Portafolio.