BUILDING MATERIALS
The building materials sector comprises all activities related to the manufacturing of materials and supplies necessary for the construction of buildings and civil works, such as cement, tools, metal supplies, ceramics, plastics and rubbers, products for the final finishing of construction, among many others. It is a key sector for the building of the Colombian Government's new vision for the country.
The building materials sector comprises all activities related to the manufacture of materials and inputs necessary for the construction of buildings and civil works, such as cement, tools, metal inputs, ceramics, plastics and rubber, products for the final finishing of construction, among many others. It is a key sector for the construction of the Government's new vision of the country.
ATTRACTIVE LOCAL MARKET WITH POTENTIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUILDING MATERIALS
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The building materials industry is one of the largest in Latin America, with a trade value of over USD 15,485 million in 2024.
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It contributes to the country's economic development, representing 4.6% of the GDP in 2024, according to DANE.
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In 2024, the country approved 19.6 million m2 for construction, of which 76% was allocated for housing, 7.3% for commercial use, 3.1% for education, and 13.3% for other types of constructions, according to DANE.
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In 2024, housing sales totaled 154,411 units. In the year to November 2025, there was an estimated increase of 12% compared with the same period in 2024.
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The residential and non-residential construction sector has a growth potential, and it is expected to grow at an average rate of 3.7% between 2025 and 2030.
COLOMBIA HAS A STRATEGIC LOCATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPERATIONS WITH REGIONAL AND GLOBAL REACH
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Colombia has positioned itself as an important hub for passenger and cargo transportation.
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From Colombia, the growing demand for building materials in Latin America can be met, especially for finishing materials, a market that reached USD 12,137 million in 2024.
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Building material exports have shown a dynamic performance, reaching the second highest value in the last 5 years in 2024 with USD 962.8 million, according to DANE.
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More than 600 companies exported products to nearly 60 countries.
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There is an extensive network of trade agreements that provide preferential tariff access to key markets in Europe, Asia, North and South America. In addition, companies can import raw materials and capital goods not produced in Colombia at a 0% tariff.
COMPETITIVE FACTORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS INDUSTRY
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There are more than 7,100 companies associated with the manufacture of building materials, especially those that produce metal products for structural use, wooden parts and pieces, concrete, cement, gypsum, and clay materials, according to DANE.
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There are over 82,000 companies in the construction sector, particularly in the construction of other civil engineering works and the construction of residential buildings.
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The country offers a diversified and recognized supply of building materials, including iron and steel inputs, cement, metal products, glass, ceramics, and wood.
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Between 2020 and 2024, more than 433,000 graduates were registered in engineering programs to meet the labor needs of the sector.
FAVORABLE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN COLOMBIA FOR THE BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRY
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The IMF projected Colombia's GDP growth for 2026 at 2.6%, which will represent greater dynamism than major economies such as Brazil (1.9%), Mexico (1.3%), Ecuador (2.1%), and Chile (2.1%).
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Between 2021 and 2025, foreign direct investment in the building industry in Colombia reached USD 2,3 billion. In 2019, the highest value in the country's history was reached, USD 881 million, according to the Bank of the Republic.
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From 2015 to 2025, the country has received 15 investment projects in this sector worth USD 983 million, according to FDI Markets.
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Companies such as Mexichem, Cemex, and Saint-Gobain have chosen Colombia as an investment destination.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA
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Installation of production plants for construction materials and finishes, and/or the establishment of strategic alliances with Colombian companies in the sector, to serve domestic demand with regional reach across the Americas.
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Installation of production plants for profiles, doors, metal joinery, and other aluminum products for the construction industry, aimed at serving both national and international markets.
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