The US Port Everglades and Colombia’s Port of Barranquilla have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as part of a joint sister seaports agreement to promote trade.
Colombia’s largest port along the Caribbean Sea is Port Everglades’ fifth largest trading partner.
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, modernization and improvements.
“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 USD 1.19 billion.”
“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,” said Rene Puche, President & CEO, Port of Barranquilla, who signed the MOU document.
In recent trade with Colombia, Port Everglades handled 33,207 TEUs from October 2018 through June 2019. Top import commodities included aluminum, 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 aluminum, glass, and ceramic commodities.