Inflation to miss central bank target for sixth straight year

Colombia's inflation is projected at 4.9% for 2026, missing the Banco de la República's target range for the sixth consecutive year. A Corficolombiana report estimates it will close 2025 at 5.2%, roughly the same as last year, signaling a stall in disinflation. The goal of nearing 3% is now delayed until 2027.

Amid talks on minimum wage hikes, Colombia's inflation remains a key concern. Expert projections show the consumer price index (CPI) trending downward in 2025, but not as sharply as the Banco de la República hoped. Corficolombiana's economic research report states the year will end at 5.2% inflation, nearly matching 2024's figure and indicating gradual but inadequate disinflation to enter the target range below 4%.

The rise stems mainly from higher costs of goods, services, and food, offset somewhat by cuts in electricity and gas rates. For 2026, a slight drop to 4.9% is expected, though risks include a two-digit minimum wage increase and robust domestic demand fueled by public spending, potentially pushing prices up.

The central bank aimed to bring inflation near 3% by 2026, but current estimates point to 2027 instead. This extends the deviation from the target for a sixth straight year, underscoring ongoing challenges in monetary policy.

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Illustration of Colombia's central bank building with digital overlays depicting a potential 50 basis point interest rate hike to 9.75% amid 5.15% inflation concerns.
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Central bank may raise interest rates by 50 basis points

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Colombia's central bank may hike its policy rate by 50 basis points to 9.75% at its January 30 meeting, according to analysts surveyed by Anif and Corficolombiana. The move would address 2025 inflation of 5.15% and a 23% minimum wage increase that has boosted inflation expectations. The global context, with steady Fed rates and Brazil's policy, shapes the local outlook.

Following projections of around 5.2% for year-end 2025, Colombia's National Administrative Department of Statistics (Dane) reported actual annual inflation of 5.1% for December 2025, down 10 basis points from December 2024. This below-expectation figure underscores persistent pressures in housing, services, and food amid minimum wage hikes, as the central bank eyes interest rate moves.

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One week after President Gustavo Petro decreed a 23% minimum wage increase for 2026—setting it at 1,750,905 pesos based on ILO 'minimum vital' standards for a three-person family—experts warn of inflation exceeding 6%, interest rates rising to 11-12%, and price hikes across sectors, potentially eroding informal workers' purchasing power.

The Banco de la República decided to keep the interest rate at 9.25% for October 2025, citing inflation rising for the third consecutive month. President Gustavo Petro reacted by stating that rates will only fall with the next board appointment. Manager Leonardo Villar clarified that the next appointment is scheduled for February 2029.

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Following initial government signals of a 12%+ increase, Colombia's labor unions and pensioners have submitted reservations to the proposed 16% rise for the 2026 minimum wage. Unions demand exceeding inflation to cover family basket costs, citing constitutional and ILO backing, while businesses warn of job losses, higher costs, and political motivations.

Following stalled talks where unions demanded a 16% rise and businesses warned of economic risks, President Gustavo Petro decreed on December 30 a 23% increase in Colombia's 2026 minimum wage, to 1,750,905 pesos plus 24.5% higher transportation aid of 249,095 pesos, totaling 2 million pesos monthly. The hike benefits 2.4 million formal workers and aims for an ILO 'vital wage,' but prompts debate on inflation, SME impacts, and competitiveness.

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Building on its strong 2025 performance as the fourth strongest emerging currency, the Colombian peso has appreciated 3.8% in the first 14 days of January 2026, leading the pack. It outperforms the Chilean peso (2.8%) and Argentine peso (1%), driven by government external debt issuance and favorable US inflation data.

 

 

 

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