The Federación Nacional de Comerciantes (Fenalco) reported on Mar. 9 that Colombian commerce experienced a slow beginning to the year, with many businesses seeing reduced activity compared to most of the previous year.
This development is significant as it reflects shifting trends in consumer behavior and economic conditions at the start of 2026. According to Fenalco, only 35% of surveyed business owners said their sales volumes were higher than in January of the previous year, while 34% reported similar results and 31% noted a decrease.
These figures show a negative contrast with December’s performance, when 37% of respondents saw increased income and only 27% reported declines. Some sectors performed better than others; information technology, footwear, and stationery products benefited from the back-to-school season across much of Colombia. Fenalco said this positive trend is expected to continue through February. The automotive and motorcycle sectors also showed strong indicators at the start of the new year. Statistics managed by Fenalco and Andi indicated that in January, the automotive sector grew by 38.7% in new unit registrations, with electric vehicles seeing an increase of 82%.
In contrast, liquor sales suffered due to a sudden increase in consumption taxes imposed by the government under an economic emergency decree. Although high courts suspended this decree pending legal review, Fenalco said “the damage was already done” for this sector, which plays a key role in supporting social spending at the departmental level.
Looking ahead, only 31% of those surveyed expressed optimism about immediate prospects for commerce, while 69% believe conditions will remain unchanged or worsen.
