A Fenalco survey reveals April sales posted the weakest performance of the year. Just 32% of businesses reported increases while 68% saw sales hold steady or fall compared with April 2025.
Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of Fenalco, said the results reflect a growing uncertainty that is affecting investment and consumption decisions. The guild presented the data in its Economic Logbook on June 3, 2026. Business expectations also deteriorated. The share of firms expecting economic improvement in the next six months fell from 39% to 25% over the year, while pessimists rose from 11% to 21%. Cabal linked the shift to electoral political uncertainty and inflation trends. The hardest-hit segments were fashion and shopping malls, which recorded fewer visitors. In contrast, service stations, personal-care products and vehicles performed better. Large retail chains posted positive results in intermediate cities and the Eje Cafetero region, while Pasto and Ipiales faced difficulties due to strained Colombia-Ecuador trade ties. Fenalco remains positive about June because of Father's Day, school holidays and the World Cup. Cabal stated these factors could make the month a turning point for household consumption.
