Publications

The Spanish economy is entering a new phase of expansion in which the drivers of recent growth are running out of steam. Replacing these with new ones will bring a sense of having already crossed this bridge. But neither the Spanish economy nor the bridge are the same as before.

Household spending has emerged as Colombia’s main growth engine in 2025, driven by rising income, improving credit, strong remittances, and renewed consumer confidence. Despite early signs of labor market cooling, consumption remains the key economic driver.

The automotive industry has shown signs of recovery following the recent recession, with announcements of tax and tariff reductions favoring consumers and projecting an increase in vehicle sales in 2025, driven by enhanced income and improved credit access.

GDP grew 1.7% in 2024, led by domestic demand (+2.2%). Private consumption (1.6%) was driven by a rebound in durable goods and services, while fixed investment (3.0%) grew due to machinery, equipment, and civil works. In 2025, growth is expected at 2.5%, with better financial conditions but fiscal and global risks.

Activity returned to strong growth in the third quarter (0.8% YoY), driven by domestic demand. Consumption offset the sluggishness of investment and net external demand, which made a negative contribution to growth. GDP growth was driven by productivity, as hours worked grew by only 0.2%.

Colombia's economy advanced in Q3 2024, with investment outpacing GDP and service exports reaching record highs. Private consumption showed a mixed dynamic, while public consumption detracted from growth. The GDP growth projection for 2024 remains at 2.0%.

Economic activity grew strongly again in the third quarter (0.8% QoQ), driven by domestic demand. Consumption would have offset the sluggishness in investment. The contribution of net external demand was slightly negative. GDP growth was due to higher productivity, as hours worked increased by 0.2%.

Colombia's GDP grew 2.1% year-on-year in Q2 2024, exceeding the 0.8% growth in Q1. Domestic demand and investment showed signs of recovery, with household consumption up 1.5% and investment up 4.3%. A 1.8% growth is expected for 2024.