Jamaican economy grew 2.2% in Q2
The Jamaican economy grew by 2.2 percent during the period April to June 2018, when compared to the similar quarter of 2017. This increase was attributed to improved performances in both the Goods Producing industries by 7.2 percent and the Services industries by 0.6 percent.
The growth in the second quarter brings to 1.8 percent growth for the calendar year to date with growth of 1.4 percent in the first quarter.
According to Statistical Institute of Jamaica, “the positive performance of the Goods Producing Industries was due to Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing that grew by 12.5 percent, Mining and Quarrying increasing by 31.6 percent, Construction by 2.9 percent and Manufacturing by 0.2 percent. The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry’s performance was attributed to favourable weather conditions and assistance to farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Growth in the Mining and Quarrying industry was due mainly to the resumption of production at the Alpart refinery and demand for crude bauxite from overseas refineries. Increased output of 2.5 percent from the Food, Beverages and Tobacco sub-industry was the main contributor to the growth in the manufacturing industry, due mainly to increases in meat and meat products, processing of fruits and vegetables, bakery products, beverages, sugar and molasses.
The Construction industry’s performance reflected increased activities in the building construction, civil engineering and building installation groups. All industries within the Services industries recorded higher levels of output with the exception of Producers of Government Services which remained relatively unchanged. Electricity and Water Supply grew 1 percent, Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repairs; Installation of Machinery and Equipment by 0.6 percent, Hotels and Restaurants by 0.4 percent, Transport, Storage and Communication by 1.6 percent, Finance and Insurance Services by 1.1 percent, Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities by 0.6 percent and Other Services by 0.3 percent. The economy grew by 1.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2018 when compared to the previous quarter. This was the result of a 2.7 per cent increase in the Goods Producing Industries and a 1.2 per cent increase in the Services Industries.
The results are preliminary and will be revised in the future when more information is obtained.
IMF predicts 1.7% growth for Jamaica
Growth is projected to increase over the medium term, the International Monetary Funds (IMF) is projecting for Jamaica.
According to the Fund in their review of Jamaica performance under the IMF agreement “Growth for Financial year 2016/17 is revised down to 1.7 percent, largely reflecting the slower-than-expected increase in investment. Agricultural recovery is expected to contribute to a third of the real growth for the fiscal year, in addition to a recovery in manufacturing and sustained growth in BPO, tourism, and trade. Over the medium term, growth is projected to gradually rise to around 2¾ percent, as large transportation and energy infrastructure projects come to fruition and planned structural reforms raise private investor confidence and investment.”