Colombia Exported 88,194 Tons of Hass Avocados in the First Half of 2026

Colombia exported 88,194 tons of Hass avocados in the first half of 2026, worth over US$168 million, according to the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN). Europe accounted for nearly 92% of the value of these exports, with Germany experiencing the most significant growth at 137%, followed by the Netherlands at 70%, and Spain at 54% compared to the same period in 2025.

The Netherlands remained a crucial market for Colombian Hass avocado exports, receiving 76% of the country's total exports in 2026, which accounted for around 60% of all exports. The Netherlands serves as a distribution hub for the avocado, with the port of Rotterdam playing a vital role in delivering the product to other countries worldwide.

Despite the Netherlands' dominance, the United States experienced a notable decline in exports, dropping by 85% in the first half of 2026. Consequently, the U.S. fell to the fifth position among the main destinations for Colombian Hass avocados. This decline could pose challenges for the U.S. market, and it may raise concerns about the sustainability of this export relationship.

In 2026, Colombia diversified its export markets by opening new channels in Uruguay and Cuba. Furthermore, health authorities and the private sector worked to manage the admissibility processes for entering Brazil and Mexico. This diversification highlights the growing importance of Hass avocados within Colombia's agricultural export basket.

Colombia planted 39,474 hectares of Hass avocado crops in 2026, representing a 6% increase compared to 2025. The majority of these crops are concentrated in the departments of Antioquia (14,258 hectares), Caldas (9,495), Valle del Cauca (5,753), Quindio (3,221), Risaralda (2,172), and Tolima (2,110).

Colombia's Hass avocado supply chain directly supports more than 82,000 jobs associated with farm work, harvesting, post-harvest activities, packing plants, and logistics. Indirectly, the industry benefits between 235,000 and 240,000 people in rural areas of the country.

In 2025, the Colombian agricultural sector was a leading force, but the Association for Foreign Trade (ANALDEX) anticipated challenges for 2026 due to potential tariff adjustments, geopolitical tensions, and climate variations that could impact production and logistics. However, the trade association emphasized the need to consolidate market diversification and strengthen the sector's competitiveness.

Javier Diaz Molina, then president of ANALDEX, stated, "Avocados have become an example of how the Colombian countryside can gain ground in demanding markets. The challenge now is to sustain that growth through added value, diversification, and stability in international trade regulations."

In conclusion, Colombia's export of 88,194 tons of Hass avocados in the first half of 2026 underscores the growing significance of this industry within the national agricultural export basket. The Netherlands remains a crucial market, while Europe's share of the export value remains dominant. Despite challenges, Colombia's efforts in diversifying its export markets and strengthening its competitiveness aim to maintain and surpass these successful results in the coming year.