AI Takeaway: The key takeaway from the 2026 steel tariffs is that flat steel products escaped a major burden. Decree 0264 imposes a 35% duty on long steel but completely exempts the flat steel categories most importers actually rely on. Here is how the regulation works in practice, what it means for the booming VIS housing sector, and how to position your supply chain.
How Decree 0264 Reshapes Colombian Steel Imports
When the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MinCIT) issued Decree 0264 in mid-July, the 35% import tariff caused a stir. Initially, this far-reaching announcement caused significant market disruptions. However, a close examination of the actual HS codes reveals a far more concrete reality: The tariff specifically targets long products, while hardly affecting flat-rolled steel.
The government knew exactly what it was doing. Local steel mills such as Acerías Paz del Río and Gerdau Diaco could easily meet domestic demand for long products, prompting the State to intervene to protect their market share. At the same time, Colombia cannot produce enough flat steel domestically, which is why these import channels had to remain open. This is why Chapters 72 and 73 draw such a clear dividing line: long codes HS 7213, 7214, 7216, 7217, etc.) are affected, while flat-rolled categories is completely exempt from customs duty.
For local importers, the impact will be felt immediately. Anyone importing hot-rolled rebar or H-beams must immediately recalculate their landed costs, as a 35% hit will quickly eat up the standard margins. However, those who trade in flat products (such as hot or cold-rolled coils HS 7208/7209), GI/GL HS 7210) or prepainted corrugated sheets) can continue their business as usual.
What the VIS Housing Boom Means for Flat Steel
The timing of this legislation is no coincidence. It fits perfectly with the large-scale VIS housing projects (social interest housing) that Colombia is currently promoting.
The Yellowstone project in Sabana de Occidente with 46,800 residential units is one of the largest construction projects in Bogotá in recent times. This is followed by the Mi Casa Milagro projects in Ibagué (4,012 units) and the Medellín project in Coninsa (1,766 units), the latter requiring the use of pre-painted 55% Al-Zn galvalume. Should the Avanza Colombia proposal be passed on 27. If approved in July, another 330,000 units could be added. The coastal regions are also experiencing a construction boom: VIS starts in Bolívar increased by 26.6% this year, bringing around 4,000 units to the Atlántico.
All these projects require the same materials: trapezoidal profiles, standard RAL pre-painted sheets and galvalume coils. Crucially, all these materials are completely exempt from the new tariffs. The government is signaling that it will not allow import tariffs to hinder the affordable housing supply. This now opens up an extremely lucrative market potential for flat steel importers.
Green Building Codes Are Changing Steel Specifications
In parallel with the housing boom, property developers are adapting to green building codes. Cali introduced its “Construye Sostenible” Standard in the third quarter of 2026 and officially certified the first projects in July. Bogotá and Barranquilla are watching the program closely and are expected to introduce similar regulations later this year.
This development has fundamentally changed the steel procurement of property developers. The green standards require rigorous and measurable evidence for the durability and energy efficiency of the building envelope. Since 55% Al-Zn galvalume lasts four times longer in the salt spray tests than standard galvanized steel sheets and light prepainted finishes reduce roof temperatures by up to 12°C, these specifications are suddenly in high demand. By providing these precise specifications, your customers in Cali won’t have to fight for certification; these materials are practically self-certified.
Where Bomis Steel Fits Into the Picture
This regulatory environment is exactly why BomiS Steel is optimally positioned in the current Colombian market. We specialise in the production of flat-rolled categories GI, PPGI, GL and corrugated sheets, which are currently in greatest demand. Our HS Code is not affected by the new tariff, so you don’t have to pass on a 35% price hike to your customers. You avoid time-consuming exemption paperwork and refund delays, and secure a pricing advantage when bidding on mega-projects such as Yellowstone.
Even better: our 55% Al-Zn galvalume already meets the compliance metrics of the Construye Sostenible program. It easily passes the ASTM B-117 salt spray benchmarks and provides the 8-12°C temperature drop immediately after opening. We do not charge extra for these specs; this is our standard product. Construction companies in Cali can incorporate our spec sheets directly into their certification paperwork.
As we sell directly to importers, you avoid the local mill markups and tariff fees of local manufacturers. The quote is the final landed price.
What Importers Should Do Before the January Review
Expocamacol will take place this August in Medellín — the timing is ideal. All visitors to the Pabellón Azul steel zone are looking for reliable suppliers who are not subject to the 35% tariff.
Expocamacol could influence steel buying trends for the rest of the year.
- First, make sure your customs broker provides a binding classification in accordance with decree’s annexes. This will help you avoid clearance issues with dual-use codes such as HS 7210.41.
- Next, verify the legal status of your current cargo. Do not assume that customs will proceed smoothly.
- Finally, review your current inventory against the exemption list and immediately look for alternative tariff-free categories.
The government will review the impact of Decree 0264 in January 2027. However, given the large scale of VIS housing rollout, it is unlikely that it will change the flat steel exemptions, as this would jeopardize the affordable housing projects it is actively promoting.
As long as domestic flat steel production remains low, exempt suppliers such as BoMIS Steel offer the best profit margins on the market. Anyone wishing to capitalize on the Colombian market now should follow this strategy: Check the HS codes, lock in the price, and act quickly while the opportunity lasts.
