The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut growth forecasts for the Central American economy, due to the uncertainty caused by the situation in Nicaragua and its effect on the region's economic activity, and the impact of the construction strike in Panama, which has halted works on 260 projects nationwide for the last 30 days.

In a report on the outlook for the Latin American economy this year, the IMF said that "...In Central America and the Dominican Republic, the robust growth of the United States and the higher level of remittances linked to uncertainty about its future migration policies continue to support solid growth performance in 2018. In any case, the political uncertainty in Nicaragua and the temporary interruptions of the construction sector in Panama have weakened domestic demand, which has led to a slight downward correction of regional growth in 2018, which could be 4%."

The positive aspect of this analysis, according to the IMF report, is that the solid growth of the United States and the stability of remittances flows could help to partly counteract the impact of the Nicaraguan crisis, which could continue for several more months.

Do you need to keep track of the key economic indicators in Central America?

Request more information about our Regional Economic Monitor.

Your message has been sent. We will contact you shortly.

Name*

Last Name*

Email:*

Telephone (Country):*

Company:*

Title:*

Size of the Company:* Choose one... Less than 100 employees Between 100 and 500 Between 500 and 2500 More than 2500

Industry:* -None- Agro Alimentos y bebidas Construcción e infraestructura Banca y finanzas Farmacéutica y salud Servicios Retail Automotriz Energía y minería Química y plástico Bienes Raíces Educación Bienes de consumo Industria y manufactura Transporte y logística Telecomunicaciones Administración pública

Yes, I want to receive a call from a salesperson*

Comments:*  

this site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google's privacy policy and terms of service.

Need assistance? Contact us

(506) 4001-6423

More on this topic

Economy: Slight Improvement in Central America

October 2019

After the economies of the region grew by 2.6% in 2018 as a whole, the IMF estimates that 2019 would close with a rise of 2.7% and could reach 3.4% by 2020.

The document "World Economic Outlook", prepared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), states that for Panama the projected growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2019 was reduced from 5% to 4.3%.

Central American Economy in First 6 Months of 2010

July 2010

Monthly Index of Economic Activity (IMAE), exports, remittances, international reserves, exchange rates, inflation, tax collection, banking system, foreign investment, tourism and outlooks.

Oscar E. Mendizábal, editor of the Blog “Desde Guate” (From Guatemala), gathers and analyses the main factors influencing the Central American economy (except Panama) during the first six months of this year.

IMF: Nicaraguan Economy to Grow 1.8% in 2010

April 2010

The International Monetary Fund expects Nicaragua to grow 1.8% in 2010, well below the 2.7% forecast for the rest of Central America.

According to the Fund, in 2011 Nicaragua would also grow at a lower rate than its Central American neighbors: 2.5% vs 3.7%.

Nicaragua’s economic recovery, heavily based on its agricultural sector, would also fall below the Latin American average, estimated at 4% for 2010 and 2011.

Regional Integration, the key to facing the crisis

November 2008

The International Monetary Fund urged Central America to unite to deal with the crisis.

IMF representatives present their report, "Central America: economy, progress and reforms," in Washington D.C. on Thursday, in a dialogue in which experts analyze the impact of the global economic crisis on the Isthmus' financial systems.