WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's robust economic growth significantly strengthened government finances in 2025, with the country recording a current budget surplus equivalent to 3.1 percent of gross domestic product, according to the latest Economic Bulletin published by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS).
The Central Bank said the improvement was driven by higher government revenues combined with lower current expenditures. Tax collections increased substantially as economic activity continued to expand, particularly in the tourism sector, while government efforts to improve tax compliance also contributed to stronger revenue performance.
Sint Maarten also reported healthier public finances, ending 2025 with a current budget surplus of 0.7 percent of GDP after higher revenues more than offset increased government spending.
According to the CBCS, both countries benefited from strong economic growth throughout last year. Tourism remained the primary engine of expansion, generating increased activity in hotels, restaurants, retail trade, construction, transportation and financial services.
The stronger fiscal performance has also improved the outlook for public finances over the coming years. The Central Bank projects Curaçao will maintain a budget surplus of around 3.3 percent of GDP over the medium term, while Sint Maarten's surplus is expected to continue growing gradually.
Despite the positive results, the CBCS cautioned that governments should use the current period of economic strength to build financial buffers and prepare for future external shocks, particularly given ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and the vulnerability of both economies to higher oil prices and international disruptions.
The Central Bank emphasized that maintaining sound public finances will remain essential to preserving macroeconomic stability and supporting sustainable long-term growth.