Colombian avocados keep gaining ground in the U.S. while navigating tariffs

With steady growth and improving standards, Colombian avocados are increasingly becoming competitive in the U.S. market. Colombia’s consistent growth in production, increasing professionalism across the sector, and improvements in logistics and phytosanitary practices, are leading to a bigger share in avocado exports to North America.

This comes at a time of uncertainty for the main competitor, Mexican avocados, as new avocado tariffs are being considered by the U.S. government.

While Colombia is still far from matching Mexico’s export volumes—and currently faces a 10% tariff—its growth potential is undeniable.

Colombian avocados expanding with global ambitions

Over the past decade, Hass avocados from Colombia have become one of the country’s flagship agricultural products. There are now over 55,000 hectares under cultivation, with an estimated 3.2 million hectares of potential avocado-growing land.

This growth has placed Colombia as the 4th largest avocado exporter in the world, with sales exceeding $300 million in 2024—a 54.3% increase from the previous year.

Although nearly 70% of avocados from Colombia are exported to Europe, the U.S. market has gained importance since Colombian Hass avocados were authorized for U.S. entry in 2017. In 2024, Colombia exported over 36,000 tons of avocados to the U.S., marking a year-over-year growth of nearly 170%.

For Super Bowl 2025, 6,512 tons of Colombian avocados were shipped during January and February alone—an impressive 350% increase compared to the same period last year—, setting Colombian avocados as an increasingly relevant alternative to Mexican avocados.

Explore: What will fruit and vegetable demand look like in the U.S. in 2025?

Key factors behind Colombian avocado competitiveness

Colombia benefits from natural and structural advantages that enhance its competitiveness in the U.S. avocado market, including:

• Favorable agro-climatic conditions, allowing year-round harvest and strategic commercial windows.

• Geographic proximity and efficient sea routes, enabling reliable access to major ports along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf, even if farther than Mexico.

• Pre-clearance inspections at origin, which speed up entry into U.S. ports and reduce the risk of rejections over phytosanitary concerns.

• Professionalization of the avocado sector, with strong investments in certifications (such as GlobalG.A.P. and USDA Organic), post-harvest infrastructure, and traceability

Impact of tariffs on Colombian avocado and the region

The recent 10% tariff on Colombian avocados poses a serious challenge. According to Katheryn Mejía Vergel, Executive Director of Corpohass, this measure makes competition with Mexican avocados even more difficult, especially since they account for nearly 80% of U.S. avocado consumption.

While countries like Peru and Chile were also affected, Colombia is particularly vulnerable due to its strategic focus on the U.S. and the early stage of its market consolidation.

However, the current uncertainty in Mexico—where additional tariffs could still be imposed—has triggered concerns about avocado prices and opened the door for U.S. importers to consider supplier diversification. This represents a significant opportunity for Colombian avocados, as long as they maintain consistent quality and reliability.

A key moment for Colombian avocados

Today, Colombian Hass avocados are among the country’s most profitable agricultural exports. They have proven their ability to compete on quality, logistics, and compliance with international standards—essential to succeed in one of the most demanding markets in the world.

To further scale in the U.S., Colombia must continue to offer more than just competitive pricing. Delivering consistent quality, ensuring logistics reliability, and fostering long-term commercial relationships will be essential to weathering market volatility.

ProducePay’s Pre-Season financing solutions give growers access to capital to invest from planting through harvest. This not only supports high-quality avocado production but also strengthens compliance with commercial and phytosanitary standards demanded by U.S. buyers, building stronger relationships with key commercial partners.

Discover how ProducePay can help your avocado business thrive in the U.S. market. Contact us today.

Sources: ICA, El Economista, The Produce News, West Pak Avocado, Portal Frutícola, Fresh Fruit Portal, kpbs