Colombia is experiencing its best year for meat exports in its history.

In a year marked by trade tensions, rural instability, and a DOLLAR exchange rate that forces careful consideration of every production decision, the livestock sector has delivered a surprise. According to Fedegán, the industry trade association, in just nine months, Colombia has already surpassed the total MEAT exports for the entire year 2024 .

And this happened to the main character that is changing the business map: CHINA, whose demand for Colombian protein has become the driver of expansion.

From January to September, Colombia exported 25,105 tons of meat to more than 20 countries. This represents a value of US $121.5 million , exceeding the US$106.5 million achieved in all of 2024.

"Countries that buy 100% Colombian meat and dairy products trust us. We will continue to grow, you can be sure of that," said Felix Lafaurie, executive president of the trade association.

Including meat, by-products, live animals, and dairy products, the total value reached $319.3 million. For a sector facing extortion, cattle rustling, and transportation problems in several regions, the growth was higher than expected.

This is the buyer's card:

• China  : 14,523 tons.
• Algeria: 3140 tons.
• RUSSIA  : 3574 tons.
• Chile: 1191 tons.
• El Salvador: 1,188 tons.

China alone accounted for US$70 million, more than half of the total value of meat exported, almost three times more than Algeria and five times more than Chile.

The situation could change if the Asian giant adjusts standards, changes suppliers, or tightens sanitary restrictions. However, for now, the news for the national economy is good.

Recovery that doesn't just come from meat

Another aspect of the business, live cattle exports , also remains stable. Over the first nine months, 195,356 animals were sold abroad, valued at $150.5 million.

The main buyers were:

• Egypt .
• Iraq.
• Saudi Arabia .
• Jordan.
• Lebanon.

There's also another less visible but important category: offal. Colombia exported 3,838 tons, primarily to Vietnam , Hong Kong, and Russia, worth $10 million.

The dairy sector is not far behind: 10,439 tons were exported worth US$37.3 million, with 66% of the total going to Venezuela.