WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s economy expanded by 5 percent last year, fueled primarily by growth in the tourism and construction sectors. The sharp rise in stay-over visitors boosted activity in trade, real estate, and hospitality, according to recent data.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects another 4 percent growth for 2025. However, the economy is expected to cool to around 2 percent in the following years due to a saturation of the tourism sector and growing global uncertainties.

Unemployment has dropped to 7.8 percent, the lowest level since the pandemic. Real wages also rose by 5 percent last year. Still, a significant share of jobs remains informal, particularly in construction. Men between the ages of 25 and 64 are the most likely to work outside the formal labor market.

The IMF has expressed concern over the high level of informal employment, noting that it reduces tax revenues and social security contributions, while leaving workers with fewer protections.