Regional Economic Bulletin: Southeast, first quarter of 2025
The Regional Economic Bulletin is published by the Regional Economies Section of the Technical and Economic Information Department at Banco de la República. The views and potential errors are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not compromise Banco de la República or its Board of Directors.
The southeast region’s economy experienced growth in the agricultural sector, while oil production and construction activity declined. Agricultural activity was driven by rainfall patterns that benefited oil palm crops. At the same time, increased consumption of beef and pork boosted livestock production. Oil production declined due to lower international prices and blockades that hindered normal operations in some fields. In construction, cement shipments decreased, and the effectively built area declined in the residential segments, while home sales grew due to greater supply and the allocation of departmental subsidies.
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Agricultural activity expanded due to higher oil palm production, supported by rainfall levels that reduced water stress and favored the development of crops. The livestock segment also grew, driven by an increase in cattle and pig slaughtering, in response to stronger household consumption.
Oil production in the region declined amid low international prices, trade tensions, and logistical and public order issues that limited normal operations in the region. However, the department of Meta recorded growth due to strong performance in the Caño Sur Este field.
The effectively built area for residential use decreased, as did cement shipments. Meanwhile, home sales grew, marked by greater availability of departmental subsidies, less restrictive access to mortgage loans, higher disposable income, and lower financial burden on households.
