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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Colombia: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Colombia source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are tilapia, trout, shrimp; typical water temperatures are 14–30 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.20 per kWh.

Colombia exports tilapia fillets to the US from reservoir cages and ponds in Huila and has growing trout and shrimp segments.

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Key planning facts

Main species
tilapia, trout, shrimp
Common systems
Ponds, Cages, RAS (recirculating)
Water temperature
14–30 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.20 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 1.50 / m³
Compound feed
≈ COP 4,920 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
19%
Currency
COP (≈ 4100 / USD)
Licensing authority
AUNAP and ICA
Main import ports
Cartagena, Barranquilla and Buenaventura

What to check before requesting quotes in Colombia

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (14–30 °C) for tilapia.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.20/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with AUNAP and ICA.
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Cartagena, Barranquilla and Buenaventura.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 1.50 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 19% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Colombia?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Colombia costs roughly COP 7.8B (≈ $1.9M) – COP 12.2B (≈ $3M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Colombia?

Commercial projects in Colombia mainly focus on tilapia, trout, shrimp.

Who licenses aquaculture in Colombia?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve AUNAP and ICA. Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Colombia questions: see the market FAQ

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