PIOJ reports estimated 5.9% contraction in the economy for first quarter of 2026 compared to same period last year

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that the economy contracted by an estimated 5.9% during the January to March 2026 quarter when compared to the same period in 2025.

PIOJ’s Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry gave the update at a quarterly press briefing this morning.

Dr. Henry noted that the performance for the review quarter largely reflected the lingering impact of Hurricane Melissa on productive activities.

He said the goods producing industry contracted by an estimated 11.2% compared with the corresponding quarter in 2025.

Dr. Henry explained that this was evidenced by the downturn in all four industries.

The Mining and Quarrying Industry contracted by an estimated 26.6%; Construction by 1.3%; Manufacturing by 7.7%; and Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing by 20.3%.

He said traditional export crops declined by approximately 64.9%, mainly reflecting lower output for bananas, sugar cane and cocoa.