Colombia Manufacturing PMI Strengthens in September

Colombia’s Davivienda Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.6 in September 2026 from 54.3 in August, signaling the best improvement in sector conditions since October 2025. Factory output rose for a fifth month at the fastest pace since November 2025, while new orders strengthened markedly, with growth among the strongest in the survey’s history. Manufacturers raised purchasing substantially, while purchase inventories increased for a fourth month, although only marginally. Finished-goods inventories fell further as firms used stocks to meet stronger sales. Employment rose for a sixth consecutive month, while backlogs were broadly unchanged. Input-cost inflation eased to a nine-month low, while selling-price inflation also softened. Supplier performance deteriorated further, with delivery times lengthening the most in three months amid disruptions linked to the earthquake, business closures and traffic jams. Business confidence improved further at the end of the third quarter.

Colombia’s Davivienda Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.3 in August 2026 from 52.7 in July, signaling the strongest improvement in factory activity since October 2025. New orders grew at their fastest pace in more than two-and-a-half years, while production growth accelerated to its strongest since February. Finished goods inventories declined for a sixth consecutive month as firms used stocks to meet demand. Manufacturers increased input purchases and inventories, with purchasing activity reaching its strongest level since data collection began in April 2011. Delivery delays eased despite some earthquake-related disruptions. Input cost inflation fell to its lowest level this year, while output price inflation picked up slightly. Employment rose for a fifth consecutive month, while backlogs declined for a seventh month. Business confidence surged to its highest level since July 2019, supported by optimism over the new government administration and expectations of stronger demand.

Colombia’s Davivienda Manufacturing PMI edged down to 52.7 in July 2026 from 53.7 in June, signaling another solid expansion in factory activity. New orders grew strongly, although production increased only marginally, while finished goods inventories declined for a fifth consecutive month. To replenish stocks, manufacturers stepped up input purchases despite supply delays caused by port disruptions, supplier shortages, and traffic congestion. Vendor delivery times continued to worsen, though at the slowest pace since February. Pre-production inventories also rose for a second straight month as previously ordered materials arrived. Employment increased as firms worked to clear backlogs and meet demand, with outstanding business falling for a sixth consecutive month. Cost pressures remained elevated but eased to a six-month low, while output price inflation slowed to its weakest pace this year. Business confidence stayed positive.