The Planning Institute of Jamaica’s Review of Economic Performance,
April–June 2026
Media Brief
August 18, 2026

Before I provide the details on economic performance, let me remind you of the purpose of these quarterly economic estimates provided by the PIOJ. The PIOJ presents preliminary estimates on economic performance for each quarter. This is based on early information provided by major data providers.

The provision of preliminary estimates is consistent with trends in modern economies globally, where it is the common practice to release a 1st, 2nd and even a 3rd preliminary estimate, before the final figures are provided. The PIOJ releases the preliminary growth estimate approximately six weeks following the end of the quarter being reviewed, while STATIN releases the official figures at the end of the 3rd month following the end of the quarter.

Various stakeholders, including our International Development Partners, the Private Sector, as well as the Government, use the preliminary data to inform critical planning and policy-related decisions.

Today, we are reporting that the Jamaican economy recorded an estimated contraction of 2.9% compared with the corresponding quarter, April to June 2025.

The out-turn for the review quarter largely reflected the continued downturn in most industries due to the lingering impact of Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane led to an estimated decline in domestic demand as a result of a reduction in the Employed Labour Force and lower levels of business and consumer confidence.
The hurricane’s impact was compounded by the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to bring hotter, drier conditions, and heightened risks to agricultural output, water availability, and public health, thereby threatening livelihoods and the performance of some industries. READ MORE