# Central American economic growth projections

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/central-american-economic-growth-projections
> Updated: 2026-10-21T01:18:41.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided varied economic growth projections for the Central American region for 2026. Regional growth is projected at 4.2%, with Panama and El Salvador expected to lead at 5% and 4.5% respectively, while Costa Rica and Honduras are forecasted at approximately 3.3%.

In Belize, the IMF has lowered its 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.9%, a decrease from previous projections of 2.2% and 2.6% in 2025. Despite this slowdown, Belize’s growth is expected to remain above the regional Caribbean average of 1.4%, though it trails the growth rates of Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: IMF lowers Belize economic growth forecast to 1.9% for 2026

The IMF has cut Belize’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.9%, down from a previous 2.2% projection, noting a slowdown from the 2.6% expected in 2025.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imf-lowers-belize-economic-growth-forecast-to-19-for-2026

### 2026-10-13: Central America economic growth projected at 4.2% by IMF

The IMF projects 4.2% growth for Central America in 2026, led by Panama and El Salvador, while Costa Rica implements new security and educational initiatives.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-projects-35-to-45-economic-growth-for-2026

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Cite as: Central American economic growth projections. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/central-american-economic-growth-projections