As of April 30, Colombia has imported more than 3.6 million metric tons (141.7 million bushels) of U.S. corn this marketing year, an increase of almost 1 million tons (40 million bushels) compared to last year at the same time. This comes on the heels of the 2013/2014 marketing year during which Colombia imported 2,100 percent more than in the 2012/2013 marketing year. The demand for U.S. corn in the market has increased so dramatically in large part as a result of the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement (FTA), which allows U.S. corn imports to enter the country duty free.
“The importance of FTAs is obvious,� said USGC Regional Director of the Western Hemisphere Marri Carrow. “In Colombia, it provides the United States a competitive advantage for a market that is very close to its border.
“So when the next trade agreements are on the negotiating table, you can use Colombia as an example of how favorable U.S. policy matters to the U.S. farmer’s bottom line.�