The Economy Records Positive Growth in Q2

  • Real value added for the Jamaican economy rose by 1.6% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). This outturn is just 0.2% percentage points higher than the estimates done by the Planning Institute of Jamaica in August 2025. This increase was driven by growth in the Goods Producing and Services Industries, which expanded by 3.6% and 1.0%, respectively.
  • Higher output in the Goods Producing Industries was due to improved performance in Agriculture, Forestry, & Fishing (+9.2%), Construction (+1.7%), and Manufacturing (+1.5%). The expansion in the Agriculture, Forestry, & Fishing industry marked the second quarterly increase in real value added from the sector for 2025, signalling the industry’s recovery from the impact of the adverse weather events of 2024. However, the Mining & Quarrying industry declined by 4.8%, which moderated overall economic activity.
  • Growth in the following industries: Accommodation & Food Service Activities (+4.1%), Financial & Insurance Activities (+3.9%), Public Administration & Defence (+0.9%), Transport & Storage (+1.7%), Information & Communication (+0.2%) and Real Estate & Business Services (+0.2%) also supported an expansion in the services industry. However, the industry’s growth was tempered by declines in Electricity, Water Supply & Waste Management (-2.6%) and Education, Health & Other Services (-0.5%).
  • The Wholesale & Retail Trade; Repairs; Installation of Machinery & Equipment industry remained relatively flat. The Accommodation & Food Service Activities industry was impacted by the continued increase in foreign national arrivals to the island, as well as increases in the food services activities group, which was largely impacted by the 2.7% increase in foreign national arrivals as well as a 5.1% rise in the average guest nights. The number of foreign national arrivals was 691,796 in 2025, up from 673,748 in 2024. There was also an improvement in the food services activities group, reflecting increased demand.
  • Compared to the first quarter of 2025, the seasonally adjusted value added showed that the economy grew by 0.4%. This reflected a 2.3% increase in the Goods Producing Industries. However, the Services Industries declined by 0.2%.

(Source: STATIN)