As a result of the economic slowdown and the imbalance in public finances, Costa Rica faces a complex and high-risk future, in which the margins for action and maneuver will be increasingly limited.
The State of the Nation 2019 report explains that the economic slowdown and imbalance in public finances created a scenario of great complexity and risk, both economic and political, which aggravated the structural weaknesses or "blind spots" of the national development style.
The State of the Nation 2018 Report explains that during 2017 and the first months of 2018 the progress of Costa Rica's economy has been adverse and, in the short term, the prospects for economic opportunities, solvency and stability are negative.
Most of the drivers of Costa Rica's economy have declined in recent months, resulting in Costa Rica going through a period of multiple economic and political risks.
In its review of the monetary program, the Central Bank has raised the expected economic growth rate for the biennium 2017-18, from 3.4% - 3.7%, to 3.7% - 4.1%.
From the executive summary of the report "Review of the 2017-18 monetary program" by the Central Bank:
The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), in fulfillment of its powers, presents the Monetary Program (MP) Review 2017-2018 published in March of this year. This document contains an update of the macroeconomic framework for the aforementioned biennium, adapting it to thefirst half of year of the international and domestic economy, as well as to the latest perspectives on the world economy.
It is expected that economic growth will increase slightly to 5.1% in 2017, and about 5.5% in the medium term, supported by the expanded Canal and developing investment projects.
From a press release issued by the IMF:
Panama’s economy is expected to remain among the most dynamic in the region. The economic outlook is favorable, albeit set against the backdrop of heightened external uncertainty.
Nicaragua's economy recorded growth of 6.6% in the last quarter of 2015 and an average annual growth of 4.9%.
From a report by the Central Bank of Nicaragua:
In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Nicaraguan economy recorded growth of 6.6% and an average annual growth of 4.9% in the original data, according to the preliminary estimate of quarterly GDP (PIBT by its initials in Spanish).
During 2013 the Guatemalan economy continued to recover and show dynamism in most sectors in the country.
The Monetary Authority of Guatemala notes that in 2013 the country had a satisfactory rate of economic activity consistent with the recovery that has been seen in the world economy.
The entity predicts a robust 2014 with a strengthening of economic activity domestically, mainly driven by an acceleration in world trade, in which Guatemala is immersed.