The Dane reported that Colombia's GDP rose 2.2% in the first quarter of 2026, below the 2.5% recorded a year earlier. Growth was driven mainly by public spending and household consumption, while sectors such as construction and agriculture posted declines.
The National Administrative Department of Statistics revealed that public administration, defense, health and education activities grew 5.7%, followed by arts and entertainment at 3.2%, and commerce, transport and accommodation at 2.9%. In contrast, construction fell 5.4%, agriculture 1.4% and mining 0.1%.
Bruce Mac Master, president of Andi, expressed concern over the low growth and the leading role of public spending. “Growth is being led by public spending at a time when the fiscal deficit is around 7%,” he said. He also noted that investment barely reaches 17% of GDP and that the country is losing regional positioning.
María Claudia Lacouture, president of Amcham, acknowledged the economy's resilience but warned that key sectors such as agriculture and mining still lack sufficient dynamism. “Colombia is growing, and that must be recognized. But the question is not only how much we grow, but whether we are growing on solid foundations,” she said.
