Alarms Continue to Sound

Director of Portafolio 03/11/2026 17:34 Updated: 03/11/2026 17:34

Alarms Continue to Sound

TL;DR

  • Colombia's public foreign debt increased to $152.747 billion in 2025, up 15.3% from 2024.
  • This debt now represents 33.3% of GDP, an increase from 31.6% in 2024.
  • The government made the largest-ever issuance of dollar bonds in January 2026, totaling $4.950 billion.
  • The primary deficit widened to -3.5% of GDP in 2025, the largest in three decades outside of macroeconomic crises.
  • Fiscal credibility has eroded due to overestimated revenues and underestimated expenses, and the government has not clearly explained how it will cut $25 trillion in primary spending and $18 trillion in interest.
  • Colombia's country risk premium (EMBI) has reached its highest level since August 2025, indicating increased borrowing costs.
  • The situation is described as a serious warning, with each month of inaction increasing the cost of correction and reducing economic maneuverability.