Dominican Republic: Economic activity notches quickest growth since February 2020 in February
Economic activity expanded 1.1% compared to the same month a year earlier in February, which contrasted January’s 1.8% decrease. February’s figure marked the strongest rise since February 2020. Looking at the details, the construction, mining and manufacturing sectors drove the reading, although the services sector remained in contractionary territory, held back by still-depressed visitor arrivals.
Meanwhile, the trend pointed down, with the annual average variation of economic activity coming in at minus 7.5% in February, down from January’s minus 7.2%.
The economy should bounce back strongly this year. The external sector should benefit from greater fiscal stimulus in the U.S. under Biden, which will support exports and remittances. Moreover, fiscal and monetary support at home will aid domestic demand. However, lingering Covid-19 restrictions and subdued tourism arrivals will keep a lid on momentum.