Colombia to Resume Coal Exports to Israel After 2024 Suspension

The Colombian government under President Abelardo De La Espriella has announced the resumption of coal exports to Israel, reversing a suspension implemented in June 2024 by the previous administration of Gustavo Petro. The decision was confirmed by the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Mauricio Gómez Amín, who stated that a decree authorizing the export of coal has been issued.

The 2024 suspension was a response to the Israeli offensive in Gaza and significantly affected a key market for Colombian coal. According to the National Federation of Coal Producers (Fenalcarbón), the halt in exports led to an annual reduction of about 3.5 million tons, representing an estimated $200 million loss.

However, Fenalcarbón President Carlos Cante cautioned that lifting the restriction does not guarantee an immediate recovery of the market volume. He noted that Israel has already begun sourcing coal from South Africa and has increased its use of gas in thermal power plants. "Recovering that market in the volume Colombia had will be very complicated," Cante stated, adding that Colombian producers have had to redirect coal to other markets, primarily in Latin America.

Fenalcarbón estimates that Colombia lost approximately 10 million tons in production and exports of coal and coke between 2022 and 2026 due to various factors, including the suspension of exports to Israel. The federation is advocating for a broader agenda with the new government to boost coal production and exports. The resumption of trade with Israel is part of the new administration's agenda, which also includes expanding markets for Colombian products and strengthening international commercial ties.