Araújo Ibarra

Araújo Ibarra International Consultants

We are the leading Colombian firm in investment and international trade, recognized by the most prestigious global rankings.

We advise local and international businesses, as well as governments and agencies, in identifying and seizing business opportunities through the design of strategies that enhance their competitiveness in a globalized environment. With a global network of partners and an interdisciplinary team, we provide economic and legal advisory services in Free Zones and Special Economic Zones, International Trade Mechanisms, Sustainability, Special Import-Export Systems (Plan Vallejo), International Trade Strategy, Customs Law, Foreign Exchange, Criminal Customs and Exchange Law, Trade Remedies and Commercial Policy, Corporate Law, and Tax Planning.

We have led the optimization of some of the most important investment projects in Colombia’s history and actively participate in the design of investment and foreign trade strategies across major emerging economies worldwide. Our broad network in Latin America, North America, Asia, and Europe enables us to support our clients anywhere in the world.

Main Areas of Practice

International Trade Mechanisms

With over 50 years of experience, Araújo Ibarra’s International Trade Mechanisms area advises clients on the design and implementation of mechanisms that promote competitiveness, efficiency, and profitability in industrial and service operations. In the past three years alone, our strategies have saved clients over USD 20 million in operational costs.

Our firm strengthens clients’ savings capacity and minimizes risks through the structuring of transnational operations that optimize timing and ensure full compliance with Colombia’s exchange regime. Araújo Ibarra is also a leader in trade facilitation and in optimizing customs and logistics processes, helping over 300 national and foreign companies avoid fines and seizures.

Customs, Exchange and Criminal Law

We provide comprehensive advisory services to ensure full compliance with customs and exchange obligations in international trade operations, optimizing procedures and mitigating risks.

Our specialized Criminal Customs and Exchange Law team offers expert guidance in administrative and criminal proceedings related to customs and exchange infractions, providing representation and defense before authorities. The firm’s comprehensive approach ensures preventive strategies, efficient case management, and risk reduction for companies involved in international operations.

Special Import-Export Systems “Plan Vallejo”

For more than 30 years, we have helped clients reduce import taxes and tariffs on raw materials and equipment by 19% to 25%, leveraging our expertise in the customs regime and special mechanisms to boost competitiveness.

Trade Remedies & Commercial Policy

We represent companies in unfair trade investigations for the application of anti-dumping, countervailing duties, and safeguard measures, while optimizing the use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to strengthen international competitiveness. Our firm achieved Colombia’s first general safeguard measure for wire rod imports and the first anti-dumping duty due to the threat of injury from Chinese imports.

Internationalization Strategies

Using innovative tools and methodologies, we support businesses, regions, and governments in identifying opportunities, assessing economic and social impacts, and implementing high-impact strategies for internationalization and investment attraction.

Corporate Law

We offer integrated consulting services in corporate and commercial law, assisting investors in establishing and structuring entities, drafting bylaws, shareholder agreements, corporate governance codes, and designing national and international contracts.

Free Zones Go Global

Through our Free Zones Go Global initiative, developed in alliance with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), we help transform free zones into world-class business destinations. By combining the WTCA’s global brand and connections with more than five decades of experience in international trade and free zones, we design and implement strategies that position free zones as hubs for innovation, sustainability, and global investment.

Sustainability

We drive responsible business development through strategic solutions that integrate sustainability, inclusion, and operational excellence. Our Sustainability Division designs investment strategies that incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria—transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and market positioning. We assist companies in implementing effective sustainability, energy transition, and compliance strategies aligned with global standards.

Leadership

Managing Partners:
Martín Gustavo Ibarra Pardo, Carolina Ibarra, Andrés Ibarra, Juliana Villegas

Partners:
Martín Gustavo Ibarra Pardo, Nicolás Gómez, María Josefina Ibarra Pardo, Patricia Mendoza De Galofre, Olga Lucía Salamanca

Directors:
Andrea Caicedo Langhton, Juliana Villegas, Patricia Mendoza De Galofre, Nicolás Gómez, María Josefina Ibarra Pardo, Juliana Villegas Restrepo, Olga Lucía Salamanca

Number of partners: 5
Number of other lawyers: 14