Barbados: 2016 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Barbados
IMF Staff Country Reports, August 26, 2016
Source details
- Canonical URL
- Barbados: 2016 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Barbados
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Bibliographic details
- Published: August 26, 2016
- Series: IMF Staff Country Reports
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781475530353.002
Economic activity and growth
- Real GDP grew by 0.8 percent in 2015.
- Growth was underpinned by an increase in private investment.
- Tourism arrivals increased by 14 percent, described as among the highest in the Caribbean.
Labor market and prices
- Employment increased by 2 percent.
- The unemployment rate fell to 11.3 percent.
- Inflation eased owing to lower import prices, with end-period prices falling by 2.5 percent.
External sector and reserves
- Net inflows in the capital and financial account fell, driven by large official amortization payments and lower foreign direct investment.
- Net international reserves dropped to US$469 million at the end of April 2016.
Thematic coverage (subjects and keywords)
- Subjects: Arrears, Banking, Commercial banks, Credit, Economic sectors, External debt, Financial institutions, Money, Public debt, Public sector
- Keywords: Arrears, Caribbean, Commercial banks, CR, Credit, deficit, Global, government finances, interest cost, ISCR, Non-interest expenditure, Public sector, reform effort, staff appraisal