By Zoila Palma: The national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) declined by 4.5 percent to 45.7 in March 2026, down from 47.8 in February, according to data released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).
The drop marks the sharpest month-to-month decline since June of last year and signals weakening consumer sentiment across key areas of the economy, including current conditions, future expectations, and intentions to purchase durable goods.
SIB notes that the overall downturn was driven by declines across all three components of the index.
The ‘Expectations’ sub-index recorded the largest fall, decreasing by 4.9 percent from 57.4 to 54.6, reflecting reduced optimism about macroeconomic conditions and household finances over the next twelve months.
The ‘Durable goods’ component slipped by 4.3 percent to 39.3, indicating weaker appetite for major purchases such as homes, vehicles, and household equipment.
Meanwhile, the ‘Present’ component declined by 4.2 percent to 43.2, suggesting increased dissatisfaction with current economic and financial conditions compared to the previous year.
SIB says that consumer sentiment weakened across nearly all districts, with Belize District recording the most significant decline.
The post Consumers growing more cautious as Confidence falls 4.5% in March 2026, SIB report appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) declined by 4.5 percent to 45.7 in March 2026, down from 47.8 in February, according to data released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The drop marks the sharpest month-to-month decline since June of last year and signals weakening consumer sentiment across key areas of
The post Consumers growing more cautious as Confidence falls 4.5% in March 2026, SIB report appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
