The Colombian government has announced that it has adopted a new trade measure aimed at correcting distortions in its steel market, introducing tariffs on imported steel products to protect domestic producers. The measure includes tariffs of up to 35 percent on 14 steel products, particularly those imported from countries without free trade agreements including Turkey. The measure will have an initial duration of one year.
Measure targets unfair competition and import pressure
The government stated that the policy is designed to correct distortions caused by low-priced imports, which have impacted the competitiveness of the local steel industry.
Colombia’s move aligns with broader regional trends, as several Latin American countries have introduced trade defense measures to counter rising imports and support domestic production.
The new tariffs form part of a broader shift toward stronger trade protection in the region, where governments are responding to increased import pressure, particularly from Asia.
In 2025, Columbia’s imports of the products, now subject to the tariff, reached 134,928 mt, valued at $124.6 million, primarily from China, as well as Turkey, Russia, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and the US. In contrast, exports totaled 16,238 mt, valued at $32.2 million, reflecting a significant imbalance in market performance.
While the measure is aimed at supporting local producers, market participants have noted that higher tariffs could also influence cost structures in downstream sectors, particularly construction and manufacturing.