Exigencias de sostenibilidad ambiental en los mercados internacionales para productos exportados por Colombia

Abstract

Problem: international markets have incorporated strict environmental requirements related to traceability, zero deforestation, certifications, and emissions reduction, which influence the competitiveness of Colombian products, particularly in the livestock, floriculture, and palm oil sectors. Objective: to analyze how these environmental sustainability requirements affect the mentioned sectors and to evaluate the strategies implemented by companies and industry associations to adapt and maintain their export competitiveness. Method: a qualitative study with a descriptive approach was carried out based on documentary analysis, reviewing international regulations, national policies, industry reports, environmental certifications, and recent scientific literature. Results: these sectors face environmental challenges such as deforestation, intensive resource use, emissions, and traceability shortcomings, exposing them to risks in regulated markets. Environmental requirements are becoming key drivers of competitiveness, with varying impacts depending on the level of technology and compliance capacity. Discussion: the sectors have made progress in sustainability strategies such as certifications, clean production programs, technological innovation, and decarbonization actions, although with uneven levels of implementation and ongoing challenges regarding the inclusion of small producers, financing, and environmental verification; the results indicate that environmental sustainability is becoming a structural requirement of international trade, demanding comprehensive support policies, strengthened industry associations, and national traceability systems to consolidate Colombia’s export competitiveness.