WILLEMSTAD – The international financial position of the monetary union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten strengthened significantly during 2025, with foreign exchange reserves increasing by more than NAf. 402 million, according to the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS).
The Central Bank reported that the union's gross official reserves have reached a level sufficient to cover nearly five months of imports.
Economists consider import coverage one of the most important indicators of a country's financial health. International institutions generally recommend maintaining reserves sufficient to finance at least three months of imports. According to the CBCS, the current reserve position comfortably exceeds that international benchmark.
The increase in reserves reflects stronger foreign currency inflows generated by tourism, exports and other international transactions, combined with continued confidence in the monetary union's financial system.
A strong reserve position helps protect the economies of Curaçao and Sint Maarten against external shocks, including sudden increases in oil prices, disruptions to international trade or periods of financial market instability.
The Central Bank noted that maintaining adequate international reserves is particularly important for small open economies that depend heavily on imports for food, fuel and consumer goods.
According to the CBCS, the stronger reserve position provides an additional layer of economic stability while supporting confidence in the Caribbean guilder and the monetary union's financial system.
The Bank expects reserve levels to remain healthy over the medium term, although developments in the global economy will continue to influence future performance.