As Port Everglades’ 5th largest trading partner, Colombia’s largest port along the Caribbean Sea, the Port of Barranquilla, has agreed to enter into an MOU to promote bilateral trade. Port Everglades’ trade with Colombia has increased by 29 percent over the last four years.
“International trade promotion is a priority of our Port and County for generating economic prosperity,“ said Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness, who signed the MOU document on behalf of Port Everglades. “Our port’s trade with Colombia alone in 2018 reached USD1.19 billion.” The two ports want to establish an alliance of cooperation aimed at facilitating international trade and generating new business by promoting the sea trade routes between the two countries. The MOU outlines joint initiatives, including marketing activities and market studies, training, and sharing of information on technology, modernisation and improvements. “As the logistics platform that connects Colombia to the world, it’s important for us to be Port Everglades’ partner in order to share best practices, increasing demand for Colombia’s perishable goods in the United States, and to be able to offer added value services to our clients for whom Florida is a main commercial destination.” said Rene Puche, President & CEO, Port of Barranquilla, who signed the MOU document. “Colombia is an important trade partner for Port Everglades and the nation,” said Acting Chief Executive & Port Director Glenn Wiltshire, who signed the MOU document for Port Everglades. “Port Everglades ranked number six for United States’ trade with Colombia, accounting for 4.12 percent of the nation’s total trade in 2018.” In recent trade with Colombia, Port Everglades handled 33,207 TEUs from October 2018 through June 2019. Top import commodities included aluminium, wood, fruits, beverages, glassware, ceramic, plastics, and vegetables. Top export commodities included printers, machinery, vehicles, furniture, iron, steel, wood, essential oils, and perfumes. Nearly a third of Colombia’s trade with Port Everglades was with the Port of Barranquilla, primarily aluminium, glass, and ceramic commodities.