economy
May 2, 2026
Logistics costs still weigh on trade and mark challenges for the country's competitiveness
Logistics costs in Colombia represent 15.6% of business sales in 2024 Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- Logistics costs in Colombia reduced to 15.6% of sales in 2024 but still impact competitiveness.
- Transportation (44.5%), storage (22.4%), and inventory (17.7%) constitute the largest shares of logistics costs.
- Regional disparities in logistics costs reflect structural gaps in infrastructure and production.
- Valle del Cauca shows costs below the national average due to its connection with foreign trade and the port of Buenaventura.
- Global factors, including geopolitical tensions and sustainable shipping transitions, add to logistics expenses.
- Customs efficiency remains the weakest link in Colombia's logistics system.
- Colombia's Logistics Performance Index (LPI) score of 2.9 places it below leading countries and other Latin American nations like Brazil, Panama, and Uruguay.
- The port of Buenaventura is efficient but faces limitations in connectivity and capacity.
- Container imbalance and the need for infrastructure improvements are identified as key challenges.
- Improved road and port infrastructure is crucial for reducing costs and strengthening trade.