ECLAC Projects Stronger Growth for Belize in 2026

The latest economic outlook from the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC, has projected a stronger economy for Belize in 2026.  This projection comes even as the wider Caribbean faces signs of slowing growth.  The ECLAC Report forecasts Belize’s real GDP growth at 2.5 percent in 2026, an improvement from the 1.6 percent estimated for 2025, placing the country among those expected to record moderate gains next year.  Regionally, ECLAC projects overall growth for the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean at 5.6 percent in 2026, slightly above the 5.5 percent recorded in 2025. However, that headline figure is heavily influenced by Guyana’s continued oil-driven expansion, with growth there expected to reach 16.3 percent.  When Guyana is excluded, the regional picture shifts significantly. Growth across the rest of the Caribbean is projected to slow to 1.2 percent in 2026, down from 2.0 percent in 2025, reflecting a more subdued economic environment.  Against that backdrop, Belize’s projected uptick suggests a degree of resilience, with growth expected to rebound after a slower 2025 performance. The country’s outlook aligns with a cluster of Caribbean economies anticipating modest but stable expansion, including The Bahamas and Suriname, while others such as Jamaica are projected to contract.  ECLAC attributes the overall regional slowdown to a more challenging global environment, including rising geopolitical tensions, tighter financial conditions, and renewed inflationary pressures. These factors are expected to weigh on trade, investment, and consumer demand across Latin America and the Caribbean.  While Belize’s projected growth remains moderate, the improvement heading into 2026 signals cautious optimism, particularly as the country navigates external pressures that are likely to shape economic performance across the region.