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Edition of Thursday, 5 November 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Colombia · Country watch

Colombia Faces National Strike; Vape Tax Rises

Colombia braces for a national strike over tax reforms, while new taxes on vaping products impact the retail sector.

· · 7 articles read

The picture Deteriorating How this is judged →

Business conditions in Colombia are deteriorating due to the planned national strike against tax reforms, which could disrupt multiple sectors, and new taxes on vaping products affecting the retail market.

Flare-up watch: Watch (1.4) · Active flag: Heightened vigilance for staff and travel · How this is judged → · All Colombia briefings →

In this briefing Colombia · Abelardo de la Espriella · ISA

Regulation

  • Retail

New taxes on vaping products in Colombia

Colombia has introduced new taxes on vaping products, including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products, according to KienyKe. The tax increase is expected to raise the prices of these products, impacting consumers and retailers. This move is part of a broader effort to regulate and control the use of vaping products in the country. Retailers will need to adjust their pricing strategies to accommodate the new tax regime, which could affect sales volumes.

Impact Retailers of vaping products in Colombia will experience increased costs due to new taxes, affecting pricing strategies and sales.

Sources: KienyKe ↗

Internal tension

  • Public sector
  • Logistics
  • Retail

Colombia's unions call national strike on Nov 19

Colombia's main labor unions and several social organizations have announced a national strike scheduled for November 19. The strike is a protest against President Abelardo de la Espriella's government and its proposed tax reform bill. According to Colombia Reports, the unions accuse the government of dismantling social, environmental, trade union, and labor rights. The strike is expected to affect multiple sectors, including logistics and public services, as it involves widespread participation from various labor groups.

Impact Employers in logistics, retail, and public services face operational disruptions due to the planned national strike on November 19.

Watch The national strike is scheduled for November 19. · 19 November 2026

Sources: Colombia Reports ↗

Companies

  • Energy

ISA boosts investments but sees profit decline

ISA, a major Colombian energy company, increased its investments by 19% and closed deals worth over $2 billion, El Tiempo Economía reports. Despite the rise in operational profitability by 8%, the company saw a decline in net profit due to macroeconomic factors and financial results. ISA's strategic investments aim to enhance its market position, but the financial headwinds highlight challenges in maintaining profitability.

Impact Lenders to ISA and stakeholders in the energy sector may see mixed financial outcomes as the company boosts investments but faces profit pressures.

Sources: El Tiempo Economía ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Disruption · Safety & health · Markets · Trade · Politics.

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Sources in this briefing

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