AGP Executive Report

Renewables Push: Colombia awarded 725 MW of new solar in the second day of its Clean Energy Procurement Auction, with 15-year long-term supply contracts starting in 2030, while the ministry says the awards across both days total 3% of regulated demand. Industrial Safety Spotlight: Cemex received Inter-American Development Bank recognition for road safety practices in motorcycle programs across Peru and Colombia, citing a 54% reduction in accidents involving Cemex over six years. Public Health vs Courts: A major investigation says ultra-processed food companies filed 235 lawsuits across Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the US and the UK (2010-2025) to overturn or delay health rules like labels, marketing limits and taxes. Construction Watch: Colombia’s housing market keeps sliding in 1H 2026, with home sales down 9.9% and housing starts down 19.6%, deepening the sector’s slowdown. Energy & Economy: The peso’s slide continues, with analysts warning the dollar could break below 3,000 COP. Gambling Growth: Colombia’s gambling industry now tops 2% of GDP, driven by online betting and the 2026 World Cup.

Clean Energy Auction: Colombia awarded 270 MW of solar plus 100 MW of battery storage in its first long-term clean energy auction, using a hybrid solar-plus-storage model to cover peak demand, with 15-year contracts starting delivery in 2030. Construction Watch: Despite recovery elsewhere, Colombia’s housing market keeps sliding: first-half 2026 home sales fell 9.9% and housing starts dropped 19.6%, deepening the sector’s stalled cycle. Currency & Industry Costs: The Colombian peso strengthened as the dollar fell sharply, with analysts warning the rate could test the 3,000-peso floor again. Digital & Shared Services: Auxis opened a new Bogotá KPO center, aiming to grow to 700+ staff to support finance, HR, customer support, IT and AI-enabled operations for U.S. clients. Industrial Security & Compliance: Nuberg EPC delivered a chlorine absorption system for Brinsa S.A. in Zipaquirá, with commissioning planned for October 2026. Energy Transition Context: The World Bank’s climate lending target shift sparked debate over whether multilateral priorities are still aligned with global public goods like climate action. Entertainment Economy: Colombia’s gambling industry now tops 2% of GDP, driven by online betting and the 2026 World Cup.

Energy Transition & Storage: Colombia awarded nearly 100 MW of battery storage paired with about 270 MW of new solar in its first long-term clean energy auction, clearing at COP 315.87/kWh and with 15-year contracts starting Jan. 1, 2030—aimed at boosting evening peak reliability. Manufacturing Expansion: Royal Enfield outlined plans to lift annual motorcycle capacity from 1.5M to 2.45M by FY30, including a Rs 1,225 crore greenfield plant in Andhra Pradesh and a potential CKD assembly move in Indonesia this quarter. Port & Logistics: SPRBUN in Buenaventura hired Hamburg Port Consulting to optimize and grow its multipurpose terminal, focusing on better use of space and a wider cargo mix beyond containers. Nearshoring Push: A new report argues Colombia is gaining ground over Mexico for nearshoring thanks to proximity to the U.S., skilled labor, and trade advantages. Healthcare Tech: A robotic telesurgery case in Colombia used the Mantra 3 system to perform a gastric sleeve operation with the surgeon controlling the robot from Santander while the patient was in India. Aviation & Travel Services: SFO will add “Wait N’ Rest” sleep lounges with private rooms and showers, with similar facilities already operating at El Dorado in Bogotá. Agriculture & Compliance: A study on coffee supply chains examines how Colombia’s coffee growers’ federation helps implement the EU’s deforestation-free rules.

Oilfield Services: Patterson-UTI Energy reported Q2 2026 results with $1.2B revenue (+10% sequential) and $232M adjusted EBITDA, citing improving U.S. onshore activity and expecting further growth in drilling/completions. Livestock & Biosecurity: The USDA will spend $25M in Arizona to disperse sterile flies to fight New World screwworm, as it plans to resume Mexican cattle imports starting Aug. 24—aimed at protecting supply but raising concerns for producers. Healthcare Tech: A Colombian surgeon in Santander reportedly performed a successful robotic gastric sleeve surgery on a patient in India via telesurgery using the Mantra 3 robot. Nearshoring: A new analysis argues Colombia is increasingly chosen over Mexico for nearshoring thanks to proximity to the U.S., skilled labor, and trade advantages. Ports & Logistics: Buenaventura’s SPRBUN hired Hamburg Port Consulting to optimize and grow its multipurpose terminal, targeting solid/liquid bulk and Ro-Ro opportunities. Sustainable Coffee Compliance: A study examines how Colombia’s coffee sector is preparing for the EU’s deforestation-free rules, highlighting the role of producer coordination bodies. Mining: Glencore said first-half copper output rose 15% while cobalt fell sharply, keeping full-year guidance for copper/zinc/nickel unchanged. Trade & Industry: Colombiamoda opened in Medellín with 600+ brands and 70,000 expected attendees, reinforcing Colombia’s manufacturing and fashion export push.

Asset Servicing Deal: State Street agreed to acquire the Santander CACEIS Latam Securities Services joint venture across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, boosting custody and fund administration for institutional investors with about $470B in assets under custody. Payments Expansion: ACI Worldwide teamed with dLocal to let merchants process local payment methods via one integration, with Pix and Mercado Pago in Brazil and OXXO/SPEI in Mexico, and a planned rollout that includes Colombia. Industrial Automation Demand: Control valves are forecast to grow at a 7.90% CAGR through 2035, driven by industrial automation and digitalization. Energy Tech Growth: Residential air-to-water heat pumps are projected to reach $22.18B by 2035 as decarbonization pushes efficient heating. Construction Equipment Earnings: HD Hyundai Construction Equipment reported Q2 operating profit up 92% to 248.9B won, with Latin America revenue up nearly 30% on mining equipment demand in Colombia and Peru. Colombian Agritech Recognition: Colombian agricultural engineer Martha Lucía Orozco Cárdenas received a U.S. Congress award for space agriculture work, including “space dwarf tomatoes” tied to NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge. Trade Policy Watch: The U.S. imposed forced-labor Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies, with Colombia-facing impacts flagged by tariff tier and exemption lists.

Green Hydrogen Push: Colombia’s green hydrogen pipeline is now 36 projects, with 8 already operating, aiming to cut emissions 51% by 2030 and diversify beyond oil and coal. Finance & Jobs Watch: Bancolombia warns that Colombia’s low unemployment masks weaker job quality and higher vulnerability, with inactivity rising under the surface. Trade & Exports: Colombia’s non-mining exports hit 61.7% of total exports in Q1 2026, while services exports grew 11.3% to $5.34B. Energy Investment: NOVVA Group agreed to buy a 37.8 MWac Colombian solar portfolio from ABO Energy, targeting early-2028 operations. Industrial Services Deal: State Street agreed to acquire Santander CACEIS Latam securities services in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, covering about $470B in custody assets. Solar & Manufacturing Expansion: Lakeland Fire + Safety said its Mexico plant received UL certification to manufacture Veridian turnout gear for Latin America. Business Governance: Semana alleges a pay-for-contract influence network in Petro’s housing and interior-linked entities. Diplomacy Reshuffle: Colombia’s president-elect plans to close 14 embassies, cut about 15 consulates, and break ties with Cuba and Nicaragua as part of a foreign-service cost reset.

Payments Expansion: ACI Worldwide and dLocal struck a partnership to let global merchants access local payment methods in Brazil and Mexico via ACI’s Payments Orchestration Platform, with Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru next; merchants can start processing now using Pix, PicPay, Mercado Pago and NuPay (Brazil) plus Mercado Pago, OXXO and SPEI (Mexico). Governance & Diplomacy: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella says his Aug. 7 administration will close at least 14 embassies, including Romania, and suspend new missions in Palestine, arguing it will cut costs without ending diplomatic relations (except Cuba and Nicaragua). Climate Risk for Industry & Cities: Asocapitales warns El Niño 2026-2027 is already consolidating and cities have just over four months to prepare, with major water and energy pressure concentrated in capitals. Trade & Compliance Shock: The U.S. finalized forced-labor Section 301 tariffs covering 60 economies, replacing expiring global surcharges—an immediate supply-chain and import-cost issue for regional exporters. Logistics Revenue Control: A report highlights how “container release” is where shipping lines can lose money through fragmented payment and approval steps. Colombia Tech Services: Leanware relaunches as an AI engineering firm with a two-week AI ROI Assessment and four fixed-scope AI services for mid-market operators.

AI & Productivity: Bogotá-based Leanware relaunches as an AI engineering firm, offering four fixed-scope services plus a standalone two-week AI ROI Assessment aimed at mid-market operators who need clear, measurable business value before building. Digital Transformation (Colombia-linked): Stagwell signs to acquire Colombia’s QStrauss Consulting to expand Adobe implementation and consulting through its Code and Theory network, with major regional clients cited. Trade & Tariffs: New U.S. forced-labor Section 301 tariffs hit 60 economies, with Colombia among those facing higher costs; fresh-produce groups warn the patchwork of exemptions raises complexity for suppliers. Energy & Infrastructure: Offshore wind scaling remains slow due to inflation, supply-chain issues, and grid/port bottlenecks—key headwinds for projects targeting global capacity growth. Maritime & Defense: Damen wins contracts to refit four Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels; one logistics support ship will be serviced at COTECMAR in Colombia. Diplomacy & Public Spending: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announces closure of 14 embassies and 15 consulates and severing ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, redirecting savings toward security and social investment. Remittances: Colombia’s remittances top US$6B in the first half of 2026, sustaining growth led by transfers from the U.S. and Spain.

Energy & LNG Exports: The U.S. DOE granted Argent LNG long-term authorization to export about 25 million tpy of LNG for 20 years, with destinations including Colombia, signaling continued demand pull for regional energy projects. Agriculture & Risk: Reuters warns emerging economies could face inflation and slower growth as a “super El Niño” looms, with drought and heavy rains threatening harvests and food supplies. Exports Under Pressure: Colombia’s peso strength is squeezing dollar-priced agricultural exporters, with coffee, bananas, avocados, flowers, sugar and palm oil groups urging policy responses to protect rural jobs and competitiveness. Mining & Industrial Tech: Energy Today, QED Connect and Real Object Intelligence signed an MOU to commercialize the Socrates ROI™ platform, starting with intelligent mining applications in Colombia. Food Safety Systems: A PAHO/FAO/University of Minnesota-led project will strengthen food safety risk analysis across 10 Latin American countries including Colombia. Transport & Connectivity: United Airlines will add nonstop Houston/Washington–Cartagena routes from Dec. 17, boosting Colombia’s air links for trade and tourism. Climate & Coastal Assets: A look at Colombia’s Caribbean coral reefs highlights biodiversity and tourism pressures. Policy & Regulation: Colombia’s online gambling tax push continues, with VAT on iGaming proposed as permanent in a new reform attempt. Local Governance & Compliance: Guidance circulates on checking vehicle fines and legal status via SIMIT and RUNT before buying used cars.

Mining & Tech Deal: Energy Today (NRGT), QED Connect and Real Object Intelligence signed a non-binding MOU to commercialize the Socrates ROI™ platform, starting with intelligent mining applications in Colombia and expanding to other industries. DDR & Reintegration: Colombia’s National Planning Department delegation met in Yaoundé with Cameroon’s DDR authorities to share best practices on the sustainable reintegration of women and girls from armed groups. Coffee Outlook: The USDA forecasts record global coffee production and exports in 2026/27, with Colombia and Central America expected to see higher output amid a supply surplus. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. rolled out forced-labor Section 301 tariffs affecting 60 economies, including Colombia, with rates set at 10% or 12.5% depending on enforcement status. Construction Materials Innovation: A Colombian engineer is developing coconut-shell carbon nanotubes to reinforce cement, aiming to reduce permeability and delay steel corrosion. Local Compliance for Vehicles: Colombia’s guidance highlights how to check SIMIT and RUNT “por placa” before buying or selling used cars to avoid hidden fines and liens. Environment & Tourism Pressure: A report spotlights the Colombian Caribbean’s coral reefs and the risks from tourism, while outlining their ecological and economic value. Politics & Labor Rights: Former adult performer Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz (Amaranta Hank) was sworn in as a senator, prioritizing legal protections and social security for adult-content workers.

Energy & Inflation Watch: Iraq recorded zero US crude exports for a fourth straight week, while the US still imported oil from Canada, Venezuela and smaller volumes from Colombia—amid renewed concern that crude near US$100 could push inflation back up and pressure G7 central banks. US Tariffs Impact: The US Trade Representative rolled out forced-labor Section 301 tariffs affecting 60 economies, including Colombia, with rates of 10% or 12.5% depending on enforcement status. Colombia’s Senate Moves: Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz (Amaranta Hank) was sworn in as a senator under the Historic Pact, pledging labor protections and social security safeguards for adult-content workers. Construction Materials Innovation: A Colombian engineer is exploring coconut-shell carbon nanotubes to strengthen cement, reduce permeability and delay steel corrosion. Agribusiness Signal: USDA forecasts record global coffee production and exports in 2026/27, with Colombia expected to see higher output. Logistics & Mobility: Windrose says it will deploy 10 electric semi trucks on Texas’ I-35 corridor, tied to a planned charging network.

El Niño Response: Colombia declared a national disaster for 12 months over El Niño risks, citing a likely mega-drought from Dec 2026 to Mar 2027, with a new emergency fund, water-saving plan, and food-security measures plus calls to audit works and redirect resources to subsidized farm credit and unused land. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. launched forced-labor Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies (including Colombia), effective July 24 after Section 122 expired, with duties of 10% or 12.5% depending on enforcement status and product rules. Energy Finance: CAF approved a US$9B financing framework for Colombia (2026–2030) focused on energy security, productivity infrastructure, social inclusion, and territorial strengthening. Construction Materials: A Colombian engineer is exploring coconut-shell carbon nanotubes to reinforce cement, reduce permeability, and delay steel corrosion—aimed at extending bridge and building lifespans. Agribusiness Outlook: USDA forecasts record global coffee production and exports in 2026/27, with Colombia expected to see higher output alongside other producers. Marine Conservation: Colombia’s Caribbean coral reefs are highlighted as biodiversity hotspots under pressure from tourism impacts. Policy & Compliance Tools: A practical guide circulated on using SIMIT por placa and RUNT por placa checks to avoid hidden fines and legal issues when buying or selling used vehicles. Politics & Labor Rights: Former adult performer Amaranta Hank (Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz) was sworn in as a senator, prioritizing legal protections and social security for adult-content workers.

Forced-Labor Tariffs Hit Colombia: The U.S. imposed new Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies after Section 122 expired, with Colombia facing a 12.5% rate on affected imports—sparking calls for Colombia to update forced-labor import rules and avoid future disadvantages. El Niño Disaster Declaration: Colombia declared a 12-month national disaster over El Niño risks, warning of a mega-drought from Dec. 2026 to Mar. 2027, with emergency funds, water-saving plans, and food-security measures. CAF Financing for the Next Government: CAF announced a US$9 billion framework for Colombia (2026–2030) focused on energy security, productivity infrastructure, social inclusion, and territorial strengthening. Steel Output Snapshot: World Steel Association data shows June 2026 crude steel production up 1.7% year-on-year globally, with South America slightly down. Construction Materials Innovation: A Colombian engineer is extending concrete service life by turning coconut shells into carbon nanotubes to reinforce cement and reduce permeability. Corporate Services Expansion: HMPI expanded its corporate services in Colombia to support international firms with operations, facilities, and business continuity. Healthcare Cybersecurity Upgrade: Medellín-based Source Meridian earned HITRUST e1 certification for its Healthcare Data Profiler on AWS. Energy Transition in Cartagena: Colombia joins Germany to produce sustainable jet fuel in Cartagena. Coffee Processing Trend: Cofermentation is gaining traction in specialty coffee, including in Colombia, as producers experiment with fermentation ingredients to create new flavors.

El Niño Response: Colombia declared a national disaster for 12 months over El Niño risks, with a mega-drought expected from Dec. 2026 to Mar. 2027, plus a new emergency fund, water-saving plan, and food-security measures—alongside calls for audits and support for agriculture via subsidized credit and use of idle land. Trade Shock: The U.S. launched sweeping forced-labor tariffs on 60 economies, with Colombia listed among those facing a 12.5% rate, raising near-term cost pressure for importers and exporters. Energy & LNG: The U.S. DOE authorized Argent LNG to export up to 25 MTPA of LNG for 20 years to countries with U.S. free-trade agreements that include national treatment for natural gas—explicitly naming Colombia among eligible partners. Corporate Climate & Finance: OECD data flags Colombia’s 35% corporate tax rate as among the world’s highest, a competitiveness headwind for industrial investment. Ecopetrol Leadership: Ecopetrol confirmed Ricardo Roa’s permanent departure as the company enters a transition ahead of the new government. Logistics & Shipping: India reported all 28 crew members safe after an attack on an LPG tanker in Iranian waters, underscoring ongoing maritime security risks for regional trade.

Corporate Tax Pressure: Colombia’s statutory corporate income tax rate is 35%, one of the highest in the world, according to the OECD—well above the global and regional averages, raising competitiveness questions for investment. US Tariff Shock for Colombia: The U.S. is raising a forced-labor-linked tariff on Colombian imports from 10% to 12.5% starting Friday, under Section 301 rules tied to enforcement of anti–forced labor prohibitions. Energy & Industry Risk: Colombia’s Geological Survey issued a yellow alert for the Puracé volcano after ash and seismic activity increased, prompting flight suspensions at Popayán due to runway ash. Security & Supply Chains: Human Rights Watch warns of abuses in US-Ecuador anti-crime operations, including incidents along the Colombian border, adding pressure on cross-border security cooperation. Industrial Workforce & Costs: Colombia’s incoming government faces a prison-system crisis—overcrowding near 27% and a guard shortage of about 12,000—likely to shape public spending and security operations. Market Watch: Corn and soybeans trade remains weather-driven, with export demand including sales tied to Colombia.

Energy Transition in Colombia: Ecopetrol and Germany’s GIZ signed an alliance to study a pilot sustainable synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) plant at the Cartagena refinery, aiming to assess commercial and technical viability using nearby green hydrogen plans. Trade & Compliance Pressure: The Trump administration announced new 10%–12.5% tariffs on about 60 countries over alleged forced-labor enforcement failures, with Colombia listed among the affected economies—raising new risks for export-heavy industries. Water Security in Bogota: Recent rains lifted reservoir levels for Bogota’s supply system, with the Chingaza system reported at 74.17% capacity, though authorities warn El Niño could still tighten conditions. Agribusiness Watch: Soybeans and corn markets remain weather-driven as hotter, drier conditions loom in key growing areas, keeping traders focused on rainfall timing. Port & Logistics Efficiency: DP World’s Port of Posorja ranked 20th globally for container handling efficiency and first in Latin America for a second straight year, reinforcing regional trade competitiveness. Security & Industry Impact: Colombia’s incoming De la Espriella administration faces a prison-system overhaul challenge amid overcrowding and guard shortages, with plans that include mega-prisons and major institutional changes.