Colombian Fruit Companies Shut Down Amid Weak Exchange Rate

Four Colombian fruit companies have ceased operations this year due to the country's weak exchange rate. According to Javier Diaz Molina, president of the National Association of Foreign Trade of Colombia (ANALDEX), the companies operated in the avocado and cape gooseberry sectors.

The exchange rate has remained around 3,000 Colombian pesos per U.S. dollar, which exporters consider unfavorable. They require a rate closer to 3,800-4,000 pesos per dollar to maintain profitability.

The appreciation of the peso by 631 pesos against the U.S. dollar in 2026 may result in export losses equivalent to US$16 million. The strong local currency also increases labor costs due to higher wages and shorter working hours.