Colombia's manufacturing sector contracts in May 2026, industry warns of weak demand

The Colombian manufacturing industry recorded a further decline in May 2026. According to the monthly Manufacturing Survey with Territorial Focus (EMMET) released by DANE and analysed by the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia (ANDI), industrial production fell 0.4% year‑on‑year and real sales dropped 0.8%. Employment in the sector also slipped, with the number of occupied workers decreasing by 1% compared with May 2025.

Out of 39 industrial activities tracked, 25 posted negative variations. The sharpest falls were seen in rubber product manufacturing (‑32.9%), textile and weaving (‑20.8%) and cocoa‑chocolate confectionery (‑18.1%). ANDI warned that weak internal demand, high production costs and economic uncertainty are restraining investment and consumption, keeping the recovery fragile. The drop in jobs adds to concerns, as manufacturing remains a key source of formal employment in Colombia.

These figures highlight structural and cyclical challenges facing the sector and suggest a continued slowdown unless demand and cost pressures improve.