85% of Colombian products would enter the United Arab Emirates duty-free once the countries’ Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) takes effect. Colombia’s Senate Second Committee cleared the approval bill in its first debate on 4 November 2026. The agreement still needs to complete Colombia’s legislative process and undergo Constitutional Court review.
Key Highlights
- Another 13% of Colombian products would receive phased tariff reductions over five years.
- Colombia and the UAE traded US$929 million in goods in 2025, with a US$799 million surplus for Colombia.
- The pact is Colombia’s first trade agreement signed with an Arab country.
Which Colombian Products Would Get Lower Tariffs?
A coffee exporter and a sweet-biscuit maker could face different timetables. Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism lists coffee and its preparations among the products eligible for immediate duty-free entry. It puts sweet biscuits and waffles in the five-year group. Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo. The distinction is useful for exporters whose broader product category appears in the announcement. The precise tariff line determines the timetable.
- Food and farm product: The ministry identifies flowers, fruits, vegetables, beef, chicken, dairy, cocoa, chocolate and some confectionery among the products eligible for preferential access.
- Manufactured goods: The preferences cover products such as footwear, leather goods, clothing, synthetic fibres, furniture and medical devices. Certain ceramics, medicines, machinery and household appliances fall into the five-year group.
The commitments run both ways. La República’s coverage of the agreement notes that Colombia would admit 63% of Emirati products duty-free when the pact takes effect. The other 37% would have phase-in periods of up to 12 years. For individual shipments, the published tariff schedules and rules of origin determine eligibility. Importers must also meet the applicable technical, food safety, plant health, or animal health requirements.
Where Colombian Exporters Could Find New Buyers
The UAE embassy in Bogotá describes the Emirates as a base for Colombian companies seeking customers across the Middle East and beyond. A fresh-fruit or flower supplier could work with a local distributor to reach retailers and hotels. A processed-food producer might look for a partner that handles packaging, distribution or onward sales.
| Trade Measure | Value | What It Covers |
| Colombia–UAE goods trade, 2025 | US$929 million | Exports and imports combined |
| Colombia’s bilateral goods surplus, 2025 | US$799 million | Colombian exports minus imports |
| Colombian non-mining, non-energy exports to the UAE, January–August 2026 | US$35.1 million | A narrower group of Colombian exports |
| UAE agricultural and food imports, annual average | About US$19 billion | UAE purchases from all countries |
The Colombian trade ministry’s figures give exporters two reference points. The UAE imports about US$19 billion in food and agricultural products each year. From January to August 2026, Colombia exported US$35.1 million in goods to the UAE, excluding mining and energy products. Lower duties could give an importer room to offer a more competitive price, while sales would still depend on finding buyers and meeting their requirements.
What the CEPA Covers and What Happens Next
The countries signed the agreement in Bogotá on 18 April 2024. Its 19 chapters cover services, digital commerce, customs procedures, sustainable development and responsible tourism. They also provide for investment-related cooperation and a subcommittee for small and medium-sized enterprises. A Colombian manufacturer could, for example, form a joint venture with an Emirati distributor or supply a larger company that already sells across the region.
The Colombian Senate’s committee report records a 9–2 vote in favour of the approval bill. The remaining steps determine when the new rates can be used.
- Domestic approval: The bill goes to the full Senate and must complete its passage through Congress. Colombia’s Constitutional Court must then review the agreement.
- Entry into force: Under Article 19.5 of the treaty, the pact normally takes effect on the first day of the second month after receipt of the later written notice confirming that domestic procedures are complete. Both countries must send those notices.
Exporters preparing quotations can check their product codes now and follow the next congressional vote before pricing in a tariff preference.
FAQs
When would the UAE’s tariff reductions start?
The first round starts when the agreement takes effect. Colombia must complete congressional approval and Constitutional Court review, and both countries must confirm completion of their internal procedures.
Which products fall under the five-year schedule?
The ministry places another 13% of products on a five-year tariff reduction schedule. Examples include sweet biscuits, waffles, and some medicines. The exact timetable depends on the tariff line.
Does shipping a product from Colombia qualify it for lower tariffs?
Preferential treatment depends on whether the product meets the CEPA’s rules of origin. Exporters should check the rule for their tariff code and prepare the required documentation.
Does the deal also help UAE exporters?
Yes. Colombia would remove duties on 63% of Emirati products when the agreement takes effect. The remaining 37% would follow phase-in periods of up to 12 years.
How could small businesses use the agreement?
The CEPA includes a dedicated small-business chapter. Cooperation could help firms find distribution partners, form joint ventures, or supply larger companies already selling into the region.
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