Question 1

What is Barbados' GDP growth rate?

Accepted Answer

Barbados' real GDP grew by an estimated 1.4% in the first half of 2026, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 , published 30 July 2026. Domestic sectors led, with the non-traded sector up 1.5%, while the traded sector, including tourism, grew 0.4%. The figure is an estimate and may be revised. Business and other services, wholesale and retail trade and construction drove growth. Tourism value added stayed close to its level a year earlier, because visitors stayed fewer nights.

Question 2

How many tourists visit Barbados?

Accepted Answer

Barbados received an estimated 374,719 long-stay visitors from January to June 2026, almost the same as the 374,411 a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' economic review for January to June 2026 , using Barbados Statistical Service data. Cruise arrivals rose 25.9% to 399,200. Long-stay visitors matter more for the economy, as cruise passengers spend only part of a day ashore. Arrivals from the United Kingdom fell 10.3% and from the United States 2.6%, while Canada rose 13.7% and Europe 19.7%. Average stays shortened from 7.6 to 7.3 nights.

Question 3

How much are Barbados' foreign reserves?

Accepted Answer

Barbados' international reserves were $3.1 billion at the end of June 2026, up $91.8 million since December 2025 and equal to 25.9 weeks of imports, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . Import cover shows how long reserves could pay for imports if foreign currency stopped coming in. The Central Bank says the level is well above the usual adequacy benchmark. The current account deficit narrowed to $189.4 million in the first half of the year. Figures are in Barbados dollars.

Question 4

What is Barbados' trade deficit?

Accepted Answer

Barbados' merchandise trade deficit widened by 7.2% to $982.9 million in January to June 2026, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . Imports of goods rose by $132.4 million to $2.3 billion, while exports rose by $66.2 million to $1.3 billion. Fuel accounted for almost all of the rise in imports, up $127.1 million to $540.7 million. Re-exports of fuel, food and beverages and exports of locally made rum lifted exports. The goods deficit is offset in part by a services surplus, mostly tourism, which fell 4.2% to $727.4 million. Figures are in Barbados dollars and are estimates that may be revised.

Question 5

What is the hotel occupancy rate in Barbados?

Accepted Answer

Average hotel occupancy in Barbados was 68% in the first half of 2026, 2.7 percentage points lower than a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . Average daily room rates rose 9.8% and revenue per available room rose 6.2%. The Central Bank says new rooms were added faster than demand grew, which pulled occupancy down while prices rose. In short-term rentals (the sharing economy), revenues rose 3%, but occupancy fell 3.4 percentage points. Visitor nights fell about 3.3% as the average stay shortened from 7.6 to 7.3 nights.

Question 6

Does Barbados have an IMF programme?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The IMF Executive Board approved a 36-month precautionary Stand-By Arrangement for Barbados on 22 June 2026, worth SDR 189 million, or about US$257 million, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . It supports the government's BERT 2026 reform programme. A precautionary arrangement is one the country does not intend to draw on unless needed. The programme sets targets such as a floor for the primary surplus and a ceiling on public debt. At the end of June 2026, the primary surplus was $353.5 million above its floor and debt was $250.8 million below its ceiling (Barbados dollars). An earlier IMF climate facility of about US$193 million ended in June 2025.

Question 7

How fast is Barbados' economy growing?

Accepted Answer

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 2.7% . Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 15.9%; its low point was 2020, at -17.4%. It is 17th highest of 31 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 2.7%. World rank, highest first: 111th of 180.

Question 8

How rich is Barbados per person?

Accepted Answer

The World Bank puts GDP per person in Barbados at $28,365 in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was $10,989, and Barbados placed 2nd highest of 31. World rank, highest first: 41st of 180.

Question 9

What is Barbados' GDP per capita at PPP?

Accepted Answer

$25,894 in international dollars : that is GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Barbados for 2025, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 12th highest of 30 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is $22,756 in international dollars. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 74th highest.

Question 10

What is Barbados' current account balance?

Accepted Answer

In 2017, the current account balance in Barbados was -5.1% of GDP , according to the IMF, a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -13.0% of GDP (2005) to -1.7% of GDP (2015). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was -2.5% of GDP, and Barbados placed 23rd highest of 32. Of 175 countries with 2017 data, 126th highest.

Question 11

How much foreign direct investment goes into Barbados?

Accepted Answer

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 3.4% of GDP . Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.6% of GDP (2017) to 13.3% of GDP (2014). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 2.5% of GDP, and Barbados placed 13th highest of 31. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 57th highest.

Question 12

How high are loan rates in Barbados?

Accepted Answer

The IMF puts the average bank lending rate in Barbados at 8.1% in 2022. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 8.4%, and Barbados placed 16th highest of 27. Of 96 countries with 2022 data, 54th highest.

Barbados: economy