Belize's economy grows 5.1% in the first quarter even as May prices climb 4.3%

The Statistical Institute of Belize reported the economy grew 5.1% in the first quarter of 2026, with the April unemployment rate at 1.9%, even as consumer prices rose 4.3% year-on-year in May, led by transport, food and housing costs. Separately, Belize and Mexico’s Quintana Roo advanced an economic-cooperation memorandum aimed at trade, manufacturing and CARICOM-market access. The mix — brisk growth, low measured unemployment, but rising living costs — is the practical backdrop for households and diaspora senders. Watching transport and food categories is the clearest read on where pressure is building.

Source: Statistical Institute of Belize (sib.org.bz); Breaking Belize News.