The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) today maintained its forecasts of a rise in the regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.4 percent for this year and 2.3 percent next year.

Santiago de Chile.- In the annual report presented this Tuesday in Chile, the UN agency indicated that the area continues in a dynamic of low growth, in an international context still uncertain, and under the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States.

At the level of subregions, GDP shows differences, and for South America, an index of 2.9 is estimated this year, which will fall to 2.4 in 2026.

In Central America, the expansion will be 2.6 in 2025 and 3.0 next year, while the Caribbean, excluding Guyana, will record a growth rate of 1.9 this year compared to 1.8 in 2026, the document said.

ECLAC warns that fiscal consolidation measures and debt interest payments limit the scope for more active policies.

On the other hand, labour markets continue to recover, but at a slower pace; employment is growing moderately, unemployment gaps between men and women persist, and informality remains high in most countries, restricting the impulse for consumption.

The survey shows that inflation is continuing on a downward trend, but investment remains subdued, and productivity does not show signs of picking up.

In 2026, the region would accumulate four years of low growth, with an annual average of just 2.3 percent. (PL)