The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its 2027 growth forecast for Jamaica to 2.4% from 3.1% in April, signalling a slower rebound than previously expected. It raised its 2026 projection to zero growth from a previously forecast 1.2% contraction. Jamaica's 2027 forecast is slightly below the 2.5% projected for Latin America and the Caribbean but still above The Bahamas (1.9%), Belize (2.0%), and Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago (2.2%). The IMF gave no reason for the revision, warning that geopolitical conflicts, trade-policy shifts and other global shocks continue to cloud the outlook. Last month, the Bank of Jamaica raised its policy rate by 50 basis points to 6.0%, as August inflation of 7.9% exceeded its 4–6% target; its next decision is due November 18.
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