Survey Shows Consumer Confidence Falls in Second Quarter

Rising energy costs and growing concern over declining remittances are among the issues weighing on many Jamaicans, according to Chairman of Market Research Services Limited, Don Anderson.

He noted that remittances remain a significant lifeline for many households, making any decline a source of increasing concern.

Businesses, meanwhile, reported a modest improvement in confidence during the second quarter of 2026. Anderson said confidence among the business community has steadied, although it remains well below the levels seen before Hurricane Melissa.

The observations form part of the latest Business and Consumer Survey commissioned by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. The survey was conducted using an indicative national sample of 610 households and 118 businesses.

While business sentiment showed slight improvement, consumer confidence moved in the opposite direction.

The survey found that confidence among households dipped slightly during the April to June quarter as Jamaicans became more cautious about prevailing economic conditions.

According to Anderson, consumer confidence has retreated from the optimism seen before the 2025 General Election.

He said the effects of Hurricane Melissa, coupled with geopolitical tensions, have contributed to a more sobering outlook among consumers.

The broader economy has also continued to face challenges. Jamaica’s economy contracted by four per cent in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025, while inflationary pressures have been fuelled by higher petrol prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

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