Colombia's coal exports fell by almost half in July compared to the same month last year, official figures showed Wednesday, amid a global price crisis and days after President Gustavo Petro's ban on sales to Israel.

Colombia is Latin America's leading coal producer but the sector has contracted for five consecutive quarters due to the collapse of international prices and domestic policies.

The country exported $479.8 million worth of coal in July, a 45.8 percent drop from the $885.8 million sold during July 2024, according to the National Administrative Department of Statistics.

Local mining unions blame increased production in Indonesia that has driven down global prices.

Last month, Petro issued a second decree for Colombia to halt coal exports to Israel in protest against its deadl

See Full Page