Economic Activities in Colombia: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Colombia, with a population of 52,886,363 (2024), is one of the most populous nations in South America. Located in the northwest of the continent, it covers a total area of 1,140,619 square kilometers.

Colombia’s GDP reached $418.82 billion in 2024, according to the World Bank, making it one of the largest economies in Latin America. The GDP per capita for the same year was $7,919, reflecting steady nominal growth supported in part by a weaker Colombian peso against the US dollar.

Despite ongoing challenges related to inequality, informality, and security, Colombia’s economy has shown resilience, supported by a diversified export base of oil, coal, coffee, and a growing services sector.

What are the economic activities of Colombia?

• Primary activities: approximately 9.3% of GDP (2024, World Bank).
• Secondary activities: approximately 23.1% of GDP (2024, World Bank).
• Tertiary activities: approximately 56.9% of GDP (2023, World Bank).

Primary Sector of Colombia

Colombia’s primary sector, dominated by agriculture, thrives due to its diverse climate and abundant natural resources. A significant share of land is dedicated to agriculture, producing a variety of crops and animal products. The main agricultural products include sugarcane, oil palm fruit, milk, rice, potatoes, bananas, plantains, coffee, maize, chicken, and avocados.

Agriculture contributes approximately 9.3% to GDP (2024) and plays a crucial role in providing livelihoods, ensuring food security, and generating export earnings — particularly through coffee, Colombia’s iconic agricultural export.

With a diverse geological landscape, the primary sector also thrives on abundant natural resources like petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, and hydropower, driving the economy through mining and energy production.Colombia’s crude oil production averaged approximately 773,000 barrels per day in 2024, with proven reserves of around 2.3 billion barrels.Colombia’s natural gas production contributes significantly to the economy, with output of approximately 9.9 billion m³ recorded in recent years.

Secondary Sector of Colombia

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector involves industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In Colombia, major industrial products include textiles, food processing, oil, clothing, beverages, chemicals, cement, gold, coal, and emeralds. These products are manufactured for domestic consumption and export, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.Manufactures in Colombia’s total exports account for approximately 21.3% (2024), reflecting a modest but growing industrial base.

Tertiary sector of Colombia

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in Colombia encompasses a wide range of services that focus on improving productivity and meeting various needs. Main activities in Colombia’s tertiary sector include healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, tourism and hospitality, transportation and logistics, and security and protection. These services play a crucial role in driving the country’s economy and enhancing the overall well-being of its population.Of particular importance, Colombia’s tourism industry has experienced strong growth. In 2024, Colombia welcomed approximately 6.7 million international non-resident visitors — a record high and a significant increase from the 4.5 million recorded in earlier years — contributing substantially to GDP and employment in hospitality and transportation.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 80 million subscriptions, fostering technological growth. This extensive connectivity enhances digital services and innovation.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Colombia

The military is a good example of many economic activities working together. In the primary sector, resources like metals are extracted for military use. The secondary sector includes the manufacturing of weapons and equipment. The tertiary sector provides services, such as training and support. The quaternary sector focuses on research and development for new military technology. Finally, the quinary sector involves high-level decision-making and strategy for military operations.

In 2024, Colombia’s military expenditure represented approximately 3.36% of its GDP, according to SIPRI data. The country maintains an active military force of approximately 293,000 personnel.

Biggest company in Colombia

Which is the biggest company in Colombia? It is Ecopetrol, founded in 1951. This state-controlled energy giant had a market capitalization of approximately $24.89 billion USD as of early 2026, and reported revenues of approximately COP 133.3 trillion (around $32 billion USD) in FY2024. Operating primarily in the energy sector, Ecopetrol plays a crucial role in Colombia’s economy by exploring and producing oil and gas.

International Trade of Colombia

Import Activities of Colombia

Colombia’s import activities represented approximately 22.6% of its GDP in 2024 (World Bank), with total goods imports of around $64 billion USD.Colombia’s major import activities include refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, corn, and packaged medicine. Its top import partners are the US (26%), China (25%), Brazil (7%), Mexico (5%), and Germany (3%).

Exports Activities of Colombia

In 2024, Colombia’s total exports amounted to approximately $49.6 billion USD, representing around 16.0% of GDP (World Bank). Colombia’s export base is concentrated in primary commodities, though diversification is ongoing.Colombia’s export activities are diversified, with its main partners being the US, Panama, Netherlands, India, and Brazil. The country primarily exports crude petroleum, coal, coffee, refined petroleum, and gold.

Colombia economy challenges in 2025

In 2025, Colombia continues to navigate challenges including declining oil reserves, heavy dependence on commodity exports, infrastructure gaps, and fiscal pressures. The government faces the dual task of managing the energy transition away from fossil fuels while maintaining fiscal stability. Successful inflation management and a flexible exchange rate regime remain strengths.

Sources

• World Bank: Colombia
• IMF: Colombia
• CIA World Factbook: Colombia
• UN Comtrade: Trade Flow
• SIPRI Military Expenditure Database

Last updated: June 20, 2026