IMF lowers Belize economic growth forecast to 1.9% for 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced its economic growth projection for Belize to 1.9% for the year 2026. This is a decrease from the 2.6% growth projected for 2025 and a downward revision from the 2.2% forecast issued in April.

The IMF expects growth to stabilize at approximately 2% annually for both 2027 and 2028. While this represents a slowdown, the economy is still anticipated to expand each year.

Belize’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with the United States serving as its primary source of overnight visitors. Compared to other tourism-dependent Caribbean economies, Belize’s projected growth remains above the regional average of 1.4%, though it trails Guatemala (4%), Honduras (3.3%), and Costa Rica (3.3%).