Imports grew 19.9% ​​compared to pre-pandemic levels

During the period from January to December 2021, imports reached just over US$50,843,400,000, which registered a growth of 19.9% ​​compared to 2019, according to the Center for Research on Global Economy and Business of the Exporters Association (HUNDRED-ADEX).

“This amount exceeded that obtained in 2020 (US$ 36.1 billion) and that of 2019 (US$ 42.4 billion), and also the highest historical figures such as 2013 (US$ 43.3 billion) and 2018 (US$ 43.2 billion). million),” said the head of Economic Studies at CIEN-ADEX, Carlos Adriano Pérez.

This is a record figure in 20 years. Likewise, Adriano Pérez explained that the positive behavior was based on the higher volumes due to the recovery of the economy, better prices for oil, inputs and main foods, as well as an 11% increase in the dollar.

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In addition, by sectors, metalworking imports had a US$ 17,267 million, with an increase of 37.4%. Cell phones stood out with an evolution of 52.4% and tugboats for their dynamism (129.7%).

The chemicals reached imports of US$ 9,907,500,000, with a variation of 34.8%. His leading game was drugs; agriculture, with US$6,379,200,000 (28.7%); hydrocarbons, with US$6,308,800,000 (97.7%); and iron and steel (70.6%).

In addition, textiles (3.8%), non-metallic mining (73.1%), clothing (12.5%), wood (52.5%) and miscellaneous (26%) stood out. Mining was the only item that closed in red (-15.6%).

The imports came from Asia at 42.2% of the total. China stood out with a 28.5% share. North America followed, with 24.1% concentration; Latin America, with 20.9% —achieved the highest growth (46.8%)—; Europe, with 11.5%; Africa, with 0.8%; and Oceania, with 0.4%.

Characteristic of use

Raw materials and intermediate products represented 49% of imports. In addition, the characteristics of industrial use were the most relevant with a variation of 44.6% compared to 2020. In addition, pharmaceutical chemicals stood out with a 12% share. The US ranked first as a supplier.

Likewise, it was followed by capital goods and construction materials (29.4% of the total), especially industrial machinery. Consumer goods (21.6% of the total) were led by non-durable consumer goods (food).