Barbados: 2016 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Barbados

Publication Date:

August 26, 2016

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This 2016 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economy of Barbados appears to have turned a corner with a pickup in activity. Real GDP grew by 0.8 percent in 2015, underpinned by an increase in private investment and a surge in tourism arrivals, which increased by 14 percent, among the highest in the Caribbean. This boosted employment by 2 percent, while the unemployment rate fell to 11.3 percent. Inflation eased owing to lower import prices, with end-period prices falling by 2.5 percent. Net inflows in the capital and financial account fell, driven by large official amortization payments and lower foreign direct investment. As a result, net international reserves dropped to US$469 million at the end of April 2016.

Series:

Country Report No. 2016/279

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

August 26, 2016

ISBN/ISSN:

9781475530353/1934-7685

Stock No:

1BRBEA2016001

Pages:

77

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