Colombia Industrial Output Falls More Than Expected in August

Colombia’s industrial production declined 3.7% year-on-year in August 2026, extending a 2.4% fall in the previous month and coming in well below market expectations of a 2.1% contraction. Production declined in 29 of the 39 industrial activities, with the largest decreases recorded in printing (-18.9%), basic chemicals (-16.4%), manufacture of clothing (-15.4%), sugar and panela (-12.3%), and paper and paperboard (-11.3%). Meanwhile, output rose in the manufacture of other transport equipment (13.4%), fabricated metal products (10.7%) and beverages (9.0%). Real sales declined 3.5%, while employment also fell 1.3%.

Colombia’s industrial production declined 2.3% year-on-year in July 2026, marking the sharpest decline since April 2025 and reversing a 4.1% gain in the previous month. The reading was well below market expectations of a 0.4% contraction, as production declined in 27 of 32 industries, including the manufacture of clothing (-14.1%), processing of meat (-8.1%), basic iron and steel (-12.6%), spinning, weaving and finishing of textiles (-17.9%), and cocoa, chocolate and confectionery (-19.2%). Meanwhile, output rose in the manufacture of soaps and detergents (8.8%) and beverages (2.3%). Real sales declined 1.8%, while employment also fell 1.4%.

Colombia’s industrial production rose 4.1% year-on-year in June 2026, rebounding from a 0.4% decline in May and beating forecasts of 2.1%. Of the 39 industrial activities covered by the survey, 24 recorded positive changes. The largest increases were recorded in the manufacture of other transport equipment (22.0%), motor vehicle bodies and trailers (19.2%), luggage, handbags and similar leather goods (16.2%), motor vehicles and their engines (16.5%), and beverages (15.3%). Real sales rose 3.9%, while employment fell 1.1%.