Colombian coffee exports are largely paused after a devastating earthquake disrupted operations at the nation's main port and triggered roadblocks along key highways, according to the head of a coffee exporters' group. The powerful tremor, centered near the Pacific coast, caused significant damage to port infrastructure and blocked critical transport routes, effectively halting the movement of coffee beans from producing regions to export facilities.

The head of the Colombian Coffee Exporters' Group confirmed that shipments have been suspended until safety assessments are completed. The country is the world's top producer of washed arabica coffee, and this sudden halt in exports is expected to tighten global supply and potentially push prices higher. The earthquake also resulted in dozens of casualties, compounding the logistical crisis.

Exporters are urging patience as recovery crews work to clear roads and inspect port cranes and storage facilities. No timeline for resuming full operations has been given. The group said coffee exports could remain stalled for days or weeks, depending on the extent of damage. The pause affects thousands of containers destined for Europe, the United States, and Asia.

The 15-second tremor struck early Tuesday, collapsing buildings and triggering landslides. The port city of Buenaventura, through which over 60% of Colombia's coffee exports flow, suffered major disruptions. The government has declared a state of emergency, and the coffee sector is bracing for significant financial losses.