The PIOJ presents preliminary estimates on economic performance for each quarter, approximately 6 weeks following the end of the quarter being reviewed. This is based on preliminary information available from the major data providers.

This release of the preliminary estimate is consistent with developments in all modern economies globally, where it is the common practice to release a 1st, 2nd and even a 3rd preliminary estimate before the final official figure is released. In the case of Jamaica, the PIOJ releases the preliminary growth estimate within the first six weeks following the quarter, and STATIN releases the official GDP figures at the end of the 3rd month following the end of the quarter being reviewed.

Today, we are reporting that our estimate for real GDP growth for the October – December 2018 quarter is 1.7%, relative to the corresponding quarter of 2017. This follows on real GDP growth of 1.8% recorded in the previous quarter.

The key drivers of growth during the quarter were:
1. Increased external demand from Jamaica’s main trading partners, which supported increased exports of some goods and services;
2. Increased hotel room capacity, and air seat capacity, which facilitated growth in stopover visitor arrivals;
3. Increased capacity utilization in the Mining & Quarrying Industry.
4. Major infrastructure works, including the construction and renovation of hotels; residential and commercial buildings as well as an intensification of road construction and rehabilitation activities.
5. Relatively more favourable weather conditions and increased output per hectare for all domestic crop groups in the Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Industry. Download October to December 2018 Full Data