The Saint Lucia economy registered strong growth in 2022, as the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic firmed. Inflationary pressures climbed due to rising food prices; elevated freight rates; and logistics costs. The improvement in gross domestic product (GDP) performance facilitated improved fiscal and public debt outturns. Saint Lucia’s external position also improved. Financial sector soundness indicators support stability, although asset quality deteriorated for the fourth consecutive year since 2019, reflecting persisting pressures from the pandemic and other shocks, and rising vulnerability.

The economic outlook for 2023 is cautiously optimistic. Growth is projected to expand further, albeit at a slower pace. However, risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside due largely to ongoing global headwinds that can disrupt global economic activity and the country’s continuing vulnerability to natural hazards.