WILLEMSTAD – The economy of Curaçao continues to expand steadily, but new data suggests its growth trajectory is increasingly aligning with regional trends seen in Aruba and Sint Maarten, albeit with notable differences in pace and structure.
According to the latest outlook from the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten, Curaçao’s economy is projected to grow by close to 4 percent this year before easing toward approximately 3 percent in 2026. This reflects a transition from post-pandemic recovery to more moderate, long-term growth.
By comparison, Sint Maarten recorded economic growth of around 3.4 percent in 2025, driven largely by strong tourism performance, particularly cruise arrivals and related services.
Aruba, meanwhile, continues to stand out as one of the region’s strongest performers, with a highly attractive investment climate and robust tourism-driven economy.
Despite similar growth figures across the islands, the underlying dynamics differ. Curaçao’s growth is supported by a mix of domestic demand and exports, while Sint Maarten remains heavily dependent on tourism, which accounts for a large share of employment and economic activity.
Inflation trends also show convergence. Inflation in Curaçao declined to around 2.4 percent in 2025 and is expected to stabilize near 2 percent, while Sint Maarten recorded slightly lower inflation levels of around 1.6 to 1.8 percent.
At the same time, Curaçao’s improving public finances distinguish it from some regional peers. Government debt has declined to around 63 percent of GDP, reflecting stronger economic performance and fiscal discipline.
While all three economies are growing, the comparison highlights a key trend: Curaçao is moving toward stable, moderate growth, while Aruba and Sint Maarten continue to benefit from stronger tourism-driven momentum.