# IMF Cuts Belize Growth Forecast to 1.9%

> IMF lowers Belize's 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.9% from 2.6%.
- Title: IMF Cuts Belize Growth Forecast to 1.9% · The Rio Times
- Summary: IMF lowers Belize's 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.9% from 2.6%. The IMF reduced Belize's 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.9% after previously…
- Keywords: imf, belize, growth forecast, 2026, caribbean economies, tourism, news, world, politics, Cuts, Growth, Forecast
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/imf-cuts-belize-growth-forecast-2026
- Author: Valentina Gómez
- Published: 2026-10-21T07:38:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: imf, belize, growth forecast, 2026, caribbean economies, tourism, news, world, politics
## IMF Updates Belize Growth Forecast
The International Monetary Fund now projects Belize’s economy will grow 1.9% in 2026, slowing from 2.6% in 2025.
## Previous Forecast Was Higher
In April the IMF had projected 2.2% growth for Belize in 2026, down 0.3 percentage points from the current forecast.
## Belize's Growth Rate in Context
Belize beats the 1.4% average for tourism-dependent Caribbean economies but trails Guatemala at 4% and Honduras and Costa Rica at 3.3%.
## Tourism Drives Belize's Economy
Tourism was a main driver of Belize’s growth in 2024, with the United States accounting for 70% of overnight arrivals.
## Economic Challenges Ahead
Belize’s public debt fell to 61.1% of annual output in 2024, but the IMF projects 59.3% for 2026.
## Currency Peg and Implications
Belize’s currency is fixed at two to one US dollar, but the government faces pressure to maintain reserves.
## What This Means for Visitors
The forecast does not change travel rules for American visitors, as the currency remains pegged to the US dollar.
## Investor Impact
A 1.9% growth pace leaves the government with little room to spend without borrowing.
## Next Steps for Belize
The IMF expects Belize’s economy to grow about 2% annually in 2027 and 2028, maintaining modest expansion.
## Key takeaway

The IMF reduced Belize's 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.9% after previously projecting 2.6%.