Juan Carlos García’s Experience
Juan Carlos García is a professional in International Trade with 20 years of experience working in each of the links of the supply logistics chain, from the location of products to production, import, storage, and distribution of goods. MIT Group is a business group where each associated company offers services for each link in the chain mentioned above.
In your experience, what are the advantages of exporting from Colombia?
Colombia is not traditionally an exporting country; however, it has competitive advantages when exporting to large countries such as Mexico and the United States due to its proximity. The import factor is also a significant advantage compared to countries in the region.
In your experience, what are the advantages of importing to Colombia?
On the contrary, Colombia is primarily an importing country. The demand for imported products is high, which is a major advantage. Additionally, the transformation of local products depends heavily on imported inputs, which is another significant advantage. An important benefit is the geographical location of the country, allowing access from the east through Buenaventura and from the west through the Caribbean (Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, among others).
What has been your most successful case of importing to Colombia in terms of logistics?
Fifteen years ago, I had the opportunity to lead the first tender to supply computer parts for a government education plan called «Computadores para Educar.» This logistics operation required the coordination of purchasing, transportation, assembly, and distribution of 150,000 desktop computers, which in terms of 40” containers means approximately 200 containers over a period of 2 months.
In your experience, what are the three main mistakes people make when importing into Colombia?
- Not knowing Colombian customs regulations (procedures for nationalization, paperwork, licenses, and bureaucracy at ports and airports).
- Lack of knowledge about the requirements, permits, and taxes that the product must comply with to be free in the country.
- Not taking into account the correct mode of transport (air or sea) for your product, according to its final destination, whether it is the capital or alternate cities.
- Ignorance of INCOTERMS (negotiation terms).
In your experience, what are the top three mistakes people make when exporting from Colombia?
- Miscalculating the costs of the export factor based on the type of transport.
- Failing to adhere to anti-narcotics procedures (which is common given the country risk).
- Not complying with packaging, labeling, and technical standards of the countries where the exports are headed.
- Ignorance of INCOTERMS (negotiation terms).
As someone who is entering the Colombian market, is there something interesting that has caught your attention specifically in your sector?
If you are a foreigner, you would be in a great position since, as I mentioned, Colombia is clearly an importing country. This means you can easily receive any type of good or service, as long as you consider the competition from local peers. Pricing is very important, as you will receive products from all over the world, and price becomes a determining factor.
Why would you recommend the Europa Network?
I believe it is an important gateway to gain insights from foreigners who have entered Colombia, as well as to interact with companies like mine that can provide advice and services to ensure success in their operations.
