Colombia economy set for first quarter slowdown, with 2.2% growth
BOGOTA, May 8 (Reuters) – Colombia’s economy likely slowed its growth rate during the first quarter of the year, amid uneven performance across different sectors, showed a Reuters poll on Friday. It also indicated deteriorating expectations for growth in 2026 and 2027.
• The median estimate from 15 analysts polled showed Colombia’s gross domestic product (GDP) likely grew 2.2% for January through March, down from 2.6% in the same period last year.
• The poll’s median estimate was slightly above the central bank’s technical team’s forecast of 2.1%, which was revised this week from a previous estimate of 3.2%.
• Growth expectations for 2026 fell to 2.5% from 2.8% in the previous survey; while predictions for 2027’s economic growth declined to 2.3% from 2.8%.
• Agriculture, oil and mining production were expected to hit their lowest levels in over a decade, while construction was forecast to also show limited growth, said Camilo Perez, director of economic studies at Banco de Bogota.
• Consumption was expected to report strong numbers and public sector employment helped offset weak sectors, Perez said.
• Colombia’s statistics agency DANE will publish first-quarter GDP data on May 15.
(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra, Editing by Daina Beth Solomon)
