Belize: economy

What is Belize's GDP growth rate?

Belize's economy grew 1.4% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter of 2025, according to the GDP release published by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) on 30 September 2026. Output was worth $1.388 billion at constant prices. Growth came from services such as wholesale and retail trade and public administration, while the primary and secondary sectors contracted.

The secondary sector shrank 6.4%, mainly because of slower construction and manufacturing. Sugarcane deliveries rose 4.4% and marine exports 33.6%. Growth had been 5.1% in the first quarter. The estimates are preliminary and in Belize dollars.

Official sources: SIB: Gross Domestic Product, second quarter 2026 (PDF)

What is the inflation rate in Belize?

Belize's inflation rate was 4.4% in August 2026, as the consumer price index rose to 125.9 from 120.7 a year earlier, according to the September 2026 release of the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). For the first eight months of 2026, prices averaged 2.9% higher than in the same months of 2025.

Transport rose 7.0% over those eight months, food and non-alcoholic beverages 2.2% and housing, water, electricity and gas 2.8%. The monthly rate compares one month with the same month a year before, so it moves faster than the year-to-date average. SIB publishes the CPI each month with a full report.

Official sources: SIB: September 2026 release · SIB: Consumer Price Index, August 2026 (PDF)

How much does Belize export?

Belize's domestic merchandise exports were $31.1 million in August 2026, down 4.9% on August 2025, and $272.8 million for January to August 2026, 14.0% less than a year earlier, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize. Imports in the first eight months rose 15.8% to $2.207 billion.

SIB reports that sugar earnings fell by $29.5 million in the first eight months, and citrus revenues also declined. Domestic exports are goods produced in Belize; re-exports and sales from the Commercial Free Zone are counted separately. Values are in Belize dollars.

Official sources: SIB: September 2026 release · SIB: External trade, August 2026 (PDF)

How many tourists visit Belize?

332,038 stay-over visitors arrived in Belize from January to July 2026, 0.8% fewer than a year earlier, while cruise passenger disembarkations rose 9.9% to 589,413, according to the Monthly Economic Highlights for July 2026 of the Central Bank of Belize, using SIB data. Air arrivals rose 0.7% to 282,555.

Stay-over visitors spend at least one night in the country; cruise passengers visit for the day. Land arrivals fell 11.0% to 37,852. Cruise ship calls rose by 14 to 217, with growth at the Harvest Caye port offsetting fewer calls at Fort Street.

Official sources: Central Bank of Belize: Monthly Economic Highlights, July 2026 (PDF)

What is the Belize dollar exchange rate?

The Belize dollar is fixed at BZ$2.00 to US$1.00, according to the Central Bank of Belize, which lists a buying rate of 2.0000 and a selling rate of 2.0175 for the US dollar. The bank fixed the buying rate of US dollar instruments at BZ$2.00 from 1 June 2023.

Because of the peg, rates against other currencies such as the pound or the euro move with the US dollar. The Prime Minister's March 2026 budget speech said the peg was backed by $1.1 billion in Central Bank reserves. The Central Bank reported reserves equal to 4.0 months of merchandise imports in July 2026.

Official sources: Central Bank of Belize: Exchange rates · Central Bank of Belize: Monthly Economic Highlights, July 2026 (PDF)

Is Belize's economy growing?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 2.7%. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 18.0%; its low point was 2020, at -13.5%. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 2.7%, and Belize placed 16th highest of 31. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 108th highest.

How rich is Belize per person?

In 2025, GDP per person in Belize was $7,865, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 21st highest of 31 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is $10,989. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 89th highest.

How does Belize's income per person compare after prices?

$14,966 in international dollars: that is GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Belize for 2025, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was $22,756 in international dollars, and Belize placed 24th highest of 30. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 107th highest.

How big are Belize's exports?

According to the World Bank, exports of goods and services in Belize was 55.2% of GDP in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 37.6% of GDP (2020) to 59.3% of GDP (2012). It is 1st highest of 22 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 31.6% of GDP. Of 162 countries with 2024 data, 37th highest.

Does Belize have a current account surplus or deficit?

-2.8% of GDP: that is the current account balance in Belize for 2025, according to the IMF, which is a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -10.3% of GDP (2005) to -0.6% of GDP (2023). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was -1.2% of GDP, and Belize placed 18th highest of 27. World rank, highest first: 83rd of 132.

How much foreign investment does Belize receive?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 0.0% of GDP. No year since 2005 has been lower. Latin America & Caribbean median: 2.5% of GDP; Belize is 29th highest of 31. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 162nd highest.

What interest rate do banks charge in Belize?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 8.5%. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 14.3%; its low point was 2024, at 8.4%. Latin America & Caribbean median: 8.8%; Belize is 13th highest of 23. World rank, highest first: 41st of 73.