Colombian avocados face new US tariffs and are seeking strategies to remain competitive

The 10% tariff increase on Colombian avocado exports to the United States threatens Colombia's competitiveness against Mexico. The sector is evaluating measures to mitigate the impact on employment and the market.

The Colombian avocado industry faces a new challenge: the United States government announced a 10% tariff on exports from Colombia, Peru, Chile, and other countries, exempting Mexico, its main competitor. This decision directly impacts the competitiveness of Colombian avocados in its most important market, which currently receives 50% of its exports.

Katheryn Mejía, executive director of Corpohass, expressed her concern: “While it is true that our competitors also face this burden, Mexico was exempted. That leaves us at a very different level of competitiveness.” Given this scenario, the industry and exporters are already working on strategies to minimize the impact, maintain their share of the U.S. market, and avoid setbacks in job creation and social welfare.

Currently, the avocado industry in Colombia generates more than 79,000 formal jobs and supports more than 240,000 people in 250 municipalities across 17 departments. “The impact could be very significant. We are evaluating how to turn this situation around to protect both our international presence and the families that depend on this production chain,” Mejía stated.

Source: diariofruticola.cl