KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s economy contracted by 4.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, a less severe decline than earlier preliminary estimates from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) had suggested.

Final data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) show that total value added at constant 2015 prices declined between January and March when compared with the same period last year. PIOJ had previously estimated a 5.9 per cent contraction for the quarter.

Statin said the decline was driven by lower output in both major segments of the economy, with the goods-producing industries down 7.3 per cent and services down 3 per cent.