What are the real effects?IntroductionThe Colombian economyGeneral contextEconomic sectorEconomic policiesEconomic facetsThe crisisEconomic growthUnited States - Colombia Free Trade AgreementNegotiationsImplementationEffectsGross domestic product (GDP)Colombian farmersIllegal drugsLoss of market share interiorConclusionWorks citedI. IntroductionColombia is one of Latin America's oldest democracies, with strong and functioning institutions, progressive laws, an active civil society, and one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world. Economically, Colombia has seen a surprising turnaround over the past decade due to the confidence and business opportunities investors have found in its emerging market. However, improvements in the economy are not enough to ensure sustainable economic development. On May 15, 2012, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United States and Colombia entered into force and, after almost two years, its effects had a negative impact on the Colombian economy, mainly in the agricultural sector, which constitutes 11.5% of the country's GDP. (Cámara Colombo Coreana). Farmers complain that cheap imports from the United States are hurting their sector, leaving some of them on the verge of bankruptcy. In August and September 2013, the country experienced a national strike against the free trade agreement, which paralyzed different regions of the country, notably in Bogota, the capital. The main objective of this article is to study and analyze the effects that the American Free Trade Agreement has had on the developing economy of Colombia by demonstrating the effects on the GDP of Colombia after the agreement, the effects on farmers, illegal drugs and on the share of the internal market...... middle of paper ......Bogota: Siglo Veintiuno Editores de Colombia; Fedesarrollo. Bank of the Republic of Colombia, (2000). Economic sectors. Retrieved from website: http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/ayudadetareas/economia/econo53.htmColombia. Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. Resumen Del Tratado De Libre Comercio Entre Estados Unidos y Colombia. Internet. .Lozano, Ignacio. Characterization of Fiscal Policy in Colombia. 2009. 4. E-book. .UNITED STATES. Department of Commerce. Trade Promotion Agreement between the United States and Colombia. Internet. .Lafourie, J. (2012). Farmers are supported by TLC with United States. Dinero.com. Retrieved from http://www.dinero.com/negocios/articulo/agricultores-muy-asustados-tlc-estados-unidos/151296