WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s economy remains highly vulnerable to global shocks, and the island urgently needs to diversify beyond tourism and imported energy if it wants to build long-term resilience.
That is one of the key conclusions emerging from the new 2026–2028 research agenda published by the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), which outlines the major economic risks and policy priorities facing Curaçao and Sint Maarten over the next three years.
The central bank says recent crises—including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks—have exposed structural weaknesses in both economies.
According to the bank, Curaçao remains heavily dependent on tourism and imports, making it especially vulnerable to sudden international disruptions.
The CBCS points to recent analyses showing that even moderate global trade disruptions, such as tariff increases by the United States, could significantly affect economic growth, inflation and household consumption in the monetary union.
The bank warns that in a more severe trade war scenario, the economic consequences could be long-lasting.
As a result, economic diversification has become one of the top strategic priorities.
The CBCS says Curaçao must explore new economic sectors, including green industries, renewable energy, digital services and niche export markets.
The report also highlights the need for stronger crisis-response policies and improved institutional flexibility.
According to the bank, resilience is no longer just about recovery after crises, but about creating an economy capable of adapting to structural change.
For Curaçao, that means reducing dependence on imported fuel, strengthening domestic production and creating new value-added industries.
The CBCS says economic resilience will remain central to policymaking in the years ahead.