In April 2025, the U.S. government announced the application of a 10% tariff on imports from Colombia, as part of a generalized tightening of its global trade policy. This measure, which has already generated reactions from different economic sectors in the country, represents a new challenge for binational trade relations and poses important implications for the Colombian financial system, especially for cooperatives.

🔎 What’s going on?

On April 2, the United States included Colombia in a package of trade sanctions targeting several countries, arguing the need to “protect its domestic industry” amid a complex global economic environment. Although Colombia is not a major sender of manufactured goods to the US, the measure affects 29% of total Colombian exports, which in 2024 accounted for more than USD 14.3 billion.

📊 Key points of the news:

• 10% tariff on all Colombian products imported by the US.
• The US is Colombia’s main trading partner.
• The measure could impact sectors such as agro-industrial, mining-energy and manufacturing.
• It is expected to have an effect on the trade balance, exchange rate and economic growth projections for 2025.
• Generates uncertainty in foreign investment and foreign exchange flows.

📉  How could it affect the Colombian economy?

1. Reduction in exports: Colombian companies will face higher barriers to enter the U.S. market, which may reduce their revenues and competitiveness.

2. Impact on the dollar: Lower foreign currency inflows may put pressure on the exchange rate, leading to a possible devaluation of the peso.

3. Higher inflation: A weaker peso could make imported products more expensive, increasing the cost of living.

4. Interest rate adjustments: Banco de la República could be forced to react with monetary policy adjustments to contain inflation or stimulate growth.

🏦 Impact on the financial and cooperative sector.

Although the initial impact is concentrated on foreign trade, the financial and cooperative sector is no stranger to this juncture:

📌 1. Increased credit risk.

• Exporting companies, especially MSMEs, could face difficulties in meeting their financial commitments.
• Cooperatives with portfolios in export sectors should review their past due portfolio risk.

📌 2. Decrease in savings capacity

• If prices rise and disposable income falls, families could reduce their deposits in cooperatives and financial entities.

📌 3. Lower productive investment.

• Economic uncertainty could lead to a pause in expansion or investment projects, reducing demand for business credit.

📌 4. Opportunity for technological adaptation.

• In an uncertain environment, digitization and automation of financial processes can be key to improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. Solutions such as Smart Road, Digital Credit and Shareppy Portfolio Management can help mitigate risks and maintain operational sustainability.

✅ What can cooperative entities do?

1. Review and segment their portfolio to detect sectors most exposed to the crisis.
2. Implement scoring tools and early warnings to detect risks.
3. Optimize internal processes with digital platforms that reduce time and costs.
4. Communicate clearly to its associates about the possible impacts and measures adopted.

🧭 In conclusion:

The imposition of tariffs by the US represents a new challenge for the Colombian economy, but also an opportunity for the cooperative sector to strengthen its response capacity with data, operational efficiency and closeness with its associates. At Shareppy, we reaffirm our commitment to those entities that seek to adapt, innovate and grow even in the midst of uncertainty.