CBCS forecasts 3.1% economic growth for Sint Maarten in 2026

Sint Maarten’s economy is expected to grow by 3.1% in 2026, according to the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten’s September Economic Bulletin, as reported by Soualiga Newsday. The forecast is 0.5 percentage points higher than the central bank’s June projection.

The CBCS said cruise and stay-over arrivals, along with private investment in residential and commercial projects, are expected to support growth. It forecasts growth will slow to 2.5% in 2027 as the post-pandemic rebound eases.

The central bank expects inflation in Sint Maarten to rise to 2.8% in 2026, mainly because of higher international oil prices and transportation costs. Inflation is projected to ease to 2.3% in 2027.

The CBCS projects Sint Maarten’s current budget surplus will reach 1.2% of gross domestic product in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027. Public debt is forecast to fall from 39.2% of GDP in 2026 to 38.4% in 2027, as nominal GDP growth offsets additional borrowing for public investment.

The CBCS said global trade tensions, conflict in the Middle East and possible disruptions to energy markets or shipping routes could affect tourism demand, import costs, inflation and growth across the monetary union.