In February, the trade sales significantly in the country. This is reflected in the Fenalco economic log, in which 79 percent of businessmen reported that their sales were the same or lower than those obtained in the same month of the previous year. Only 21 percent said they would increase their transactions.
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And it is that to the difficulties that have already been mentioned previously as the inflation, the price of the dollar and high interest ratesIn February, the logistical problems derived from the closure of the Pan-American Highway and the marches and in some cases blockades were added, which according to the union put an additional brake on trade.
“According to the figures in our Economic Log, February has been the worst month for trade in the last two years. With this result, the sector has already reached 5 consecutive months with unfavorable results”, stated Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of Fenalco.
The biggest problems
According to the survey, the costs in the acquisition of merchandise it continues to be the main problem affecting commercial activity in the country, followed by low demand and credit costs. Later, informality, insecurity and a shortage of products and qualified personnel also appear.
As for expectations, they are also low. For 75 percent of the businessmen consulted by the survey, the business climate tends to get worse or stay the same. Only 25 percent bet that business over the next six months will improve.
Notebooks, ballpoint pens, reams of sheets, paints and more can be found in San Victorino.
Cesar Melgarejo. TIME.
Shopkeepers situation
Likewise, shopkeepers have not been immune to the difficult economic situation, according to a survey of fenaltiendas82 percent of these microentrepreneurs have had to reduce their profits to stay competitive.
The document that Fenalco delivers monthly also addressed the issue of the two faces of the border areas. While trade in the Department of Norte de Santander, and in particular in its capital Cúcuta, shows a higher dynamic than the rest of the country, in Nariño and Cauca the situation is totally opposite.
