Colombia recorded a 0.8% quarter-on-quarter GDP growth in the first three months of 2025, outperforming other Latin American economies during the same period, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

This figure placed Colombia ahead of Chile (0.7%), Mexico (0.5%) and Costa Rica (0.4%), while surpassing the OECD average of 0.1%, the Group of Seven (G7) average of 0.1%, and the European Union’s 0.3%. Only Israel matched Colombia's pace, making them the fastest-growing among the OECD's 38 member states for the quarter.

The country’s economic rebound was driven by a strong performance in agriculture, which expanded by 7% in Q1 2025. Coffee production soared by 31.3%, while the fishing subsector grew by 18.2%, both contributing substantially to the sector’s gains.

Commenting on the figures, President Gustavo Petro acknowledged the positive economic results, citing them as signs of effective domestic policy and recovery momentum.

While quarterly growth remains modest on a global scale, Colombia’s relative performance within the region and the OECD group highlights its resilience amid global uncertainty. Economists point to the favourable weather conditions, improved exports, and a gradual pickup in private investment as key drivers.

The Colombian peso (COP) has held relatively stable despite inflationary pressures, with expectations of ending 2025 at approximately COP4,350 to the US dollar, according to BBVA Research. The OECD anticipates that Colombia's GDP growth will reach 2.7% in 2025 and 2.9% in 2026, driven by firming domestic demand and steady monetary policy.

Persistent inflation, which was 5.1% year on year as of March 2025, and external account deficits remain sources of concern. However, Colombia's Q1 performance offers cautious optimism for its economic trajectory in 2025.