Colombia’s exports climbed 7% on a year earlier in August – the first growth since September 2014. This was driven by a 45% rise in coal exports, explained partly by a 10% growth in prices. There may be more to come in September as coal prices increased 22% on a year before. Exports to Venezuela jumped 175% on a month earlier as the border reopened. Future growth depends on new trade deals – one proposed with China may help, but will likely focus on further raw material exports.