Economic Overview

The oil shock was a drag on growth

Real GDP increased by +3.1% in 2015, part the highest rates in Latin America. From presently on, output increase moderated as a result of the severe oil price shock. since crude oil accounts for 40% of total exports. Euler Hermes expects a slowdown of increase to +1.8% in 2016 and to remain below +3% in 2017, far below the 2010-2014 +4.8% average. The recession that hit regional trade partners (Ecuador and Venezuela are clear examples) affected Colombia’s export revenues. These are expected to start growing in 2017. While the current account deficit should decline to -4.9% of GDP (2016) it will remain large.

Adding to the economic woes was the CBP sharp depreciation, as it tumbled by additional than -40% against the USD since July 2014, generating distress in import-intensive sectors. This has as well caused a surge in inflation and one can expect the index to remain above the +3% target beyond 2017. The Central Bank reacted and tightened monetary policy between September 2015 and July 2016. Despite additional restrictive local and external financing conditions, a balance of payments crisis is unlikely. Colombia has built enough financial buffers to avoid liquidity and financing shortages. The level of foreign exchange reserves is comfortable and can cover around 11 months of imports (compared to 7 months two years ago. Colombia benefits from a Flexible Credit Line from the IMF.

Tax reform

The oil price shock led to a significant deterioration of the fiscal and external accounts. The fiscal deficit doubled to -3.5% of GDP in 2015, prompting cuts in public investment . Colombia currently taxes below the region’s average. The new tax framework is aimed at increasing collection by COP7bn in 2017 (0.8% of GDP) and COP26bn in 2022 (3.3% of GDP). VAT will rise from 16% to 19% along with an expansion in the taxable base in January 2017. Corporate taxes will be reduced at a gradual pace and reach 32% by 2019.

Strong macroeconomic fundamentals and pro-business environment

Colombia has strengthened its macroeconomic fundamentals since the early noughties thanks to sound macroeconomic policy reforms. The adoption of a credible inflation targeting regime, freely floating exchange rate, structural fiscal policy, and solid financial regulation, has underpinned increase and reduced macroeconomic volatility.

According to the World Bank’s Relieve of Doing Business 2016 survey, Colombia ranks 53 out of 190 nations, the second best part Latin American economies. The country performs particularly well in getting credit, protecting investors and resolving insolvencies and dealing with construction permits. Significant shortcomings remain with regard to enforcing contracts, paying taxes and trading across borders. Security has improved considerably but the policy of law and control of corruption remain areas of concern.