In 2022, renewed access to the border and renewed normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Colombia opened up a new period of political, social, and economic involvement between the two countries. Statistics taken in the first half of 2025 show that this effort has yielded considerable gains. According to a DANE-CCV (Colombian National Statistics Agency-Colombian-Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce) report, bilateral trade exceeded 560.7 million dollars, representing a %14.1 increase compared to the year before.[i] This trend does more than show how commercial relations between both countries have been strengthened: it also shows that moves in favour of regional peace and cooperation are finally yielding tangible results.
The border dividing Venezuela and Colombia has conventionally been among the highest trafficked entry points in Latin America. The political tensions that saw the closure of the border in 2015 saw a dramatic decline in trade volumes in the region to near zero. However, after diplomacy resumed in 2022, between the countries, border posts saw renewed activity, and bilateral trade started to rise, albeit gradually. The “Vision Frontera 2025” forum, organized in Kukuta, served as a review of this three-year initiative.
These Venezuelan imports of Colombian products in the first half of 2025 added up to approximately 508.5 million dollar.[ii] The major products of such imports were foodstuffs and beverages, chemical products, as well as raw materials made of plastic. The picture reflects that Venezuela’s external procurement of products has increased during this time of revitalization of its economy.
On the other hand, Colombian imports from Venezuela also leveled out at 55.3 million dollars, showing a decline compared to the previous year.[iii] The decline could mainly be attributed to a slack in commodity demand, such as fuel, mineral oils, and cement. Imports of iron and steel, along with electrical equipment and fertilizers, however, managed to show some resilience.
More than half of bilateral commerce occurred through Kukuta. The city has emerged not only economically, but socially as well. The daily flow of 30-40 thousand Venezuelans into Colombia in order to buy, obtain healthcare and cover their primary necessities has been very positive in boosting the local economy. Other cities like Maicao and Barranquilla also emerged as key places of commerce. The scenario has shown that the cross-border areas are not only passageways, but also hubs of integration of economies.
Comments by CCV President German Umana brought into focus the magnitude of the transformation that has occurred since the opening of the border in 2022. The fact that trade value has reached over half a billion dollars, having been zero, is proof that diplomatic normalisation has had direct economic dividends. Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Coromoto Godoy, summed up the intention of converting the ‘Peace and Development Twin Region’ into a model in a regional as well as global manner, proving that this accord is underpinned by political vision.[iv]
The agreement over collaborative structures at the end of the bilateral meeting on business aims at solving contemporary problems, as much as it does at boosting production potential. The joint action of both public and private sectors has been important in guaranteeing a sustainable integration process. Growth prospects continue to be strong, particularly in food, chemicals, and plastic sectors. The respective industries turned out to be important hinge points, connecting Venezuela’s need for rebuilding with Colombian production potential.
From a sociocultural perspective, the regularity of cross-border movements and daily interactions has fortified ties among the peoples. Economic cooperation has brought about a measure of integration that is felt in daily life, going beyond abstract political rhetoric. The trend has led to greater mutual confidence between both countries and provided better foundations for future cooperation.
This rise in trade between Colombia and Venezuela serves as an example in other nations in the Latin American continent. The fact that it is possible to re-estimate collaborative frameworks despite enduring differences in diplomacy has been one of the strong predictors of coherence across different regions. In addition, this development has also enabled new prospects of integration among such regional formations as the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), the Andean Community, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
At the international level, diplomatic tensions with the United States (US) and several European countries have obligated Venezuela to direct its attention toward regional commercial allies. The shift has seen Colombia realize greater diversification of its economy as well as reinforce stability in its border regions.
Increase of trade and the bolstering of diplomatic ties between Colombia and Venezuela has been a trend of great attention by Washington in terms of its interests in the region. The United States has been following a policy of sanctions aimed at maintaining pressure against the Maduro regime in Venezuela. In this, Colombia’s effort at normalizing ties with Caracas, despite being a long-time ally of America, is a trend that could cause concern in Washington. However, Colombia’s paramount concern has been seeking to safeguard its economic interests as much as dampen instability in border areas. In this, this rapprochement must be interpreted more as balancing of ties in accordance with Colombian interests, as opposed to being a direct confrontation of American influence in the region. However, strengthening of trade ties and institutionalizing of political ties could lead to strains in relations between Washington and Colombia in the future.
The %14.1 registered increase in the first half of 2025 indicates a rebound in the economic aspect of the bilateral relations of Colombia and Venezuela. The export increase is a good reflection of the efficiency of Colombia’s production under a regional scenario. On the contrary, the drop in importation indicates the limitations of Venezuela’s production and export potential.
The integration model implemented in Cúcuta aimed not only to increase trade figures but also to promote lasting integration. The bilateral economic, social, and diplomatic interconnection of both countries has been strengthened over this project, subsequently enriching the daily lives of the respective local communities. The fact that in 2022 there was a reopening of the borders that led to a trade value above 560 million dollars now, is a demonstration of fast results that integration can yield.
In summary, trade volumes registered in 2025 between Venezuela and Colombia have shown that political and economic relations among both countries continue to grow in strength. If this trend remains, there will be a sustainable model of peace and cooperation in Latin America.
[i] Ruiz, Luis Alejandro, “Binational Trade Between Colombia and Venezuela Grows 14.1% and Surpasses US$560 Million in 2025”, Guacamaya, https://guacamayave.com/en/binational-trade-between-colombia-and-venezuela-grows-14-1-and-surpasses-us560-million-in-2025/, (Access Date: 07.09.2025).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Ibid.
