Consumer Confidence in Belize Inches Up in July

The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) has reported a slight rebound in consumer sentiment for July 2025. The national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) stood at 45.5, reflecting a 0.6 percent increase from June’s 45.2. This signals a modest shift away from the downward trend observed in recent months.

The CCI measures how Belizeans view the economy, their household finances, and their willingness to make major purchases such as cars, homes, and appliances. A score above 50 indicates optimism, while a score below 50 suggests overall pessimism.

According to the latest figures, consumers expressed greater confidence in making big-ticket purchases and in future economic conditions. The “Durable Goods” sub-index rose by 1.3 percent, moving from 38.6 to 39.2, while “Expectations” about household finances and the broader economy increased by 1.1 percent, from 54.0 to 54.6. On the other hand, perceptions of current financial conditions weakened slightly, with the “Present” component slipping from 42.9 to 42.6.

Consumer confidence grew more in urban areas, rising 3.3 percent to 45.6, driven by stronger sentiment across all components. Rural areas, however, saw a 1.5 percent decline to 45.3, with residents expressing increased pessimism about current conditions and big purchases.

At the district level, Orange Walk saw the sharpest improvement, with confidence up 12.5 percent to 42.7, largely due to stronger optimism about durable goods. Conversely, Toledo registered the largest decline, with its index falling by 9.5 percent from 59.1 to 53.4, driven by weaker expectations and a steep drop in willingness to make major purchases.

Women reported a 2.4 percent improvement in confidence, reaching 44.7, with notable gains in their outlook on durable goods. Male sentiment, however, dipped slightly to 46.3, following reduced confidence in current finances and household purchases.

Age-wise, Belizeans between 45 and 54 years showed the most optimism, recording an 8.2 percent increase to 47.5. In contrast, young adults between 18 and 24 years saw confidence tumble 6.1 percent to 50.5, reflecting pessimism across all components.

Among ethnic groups, Mayan respondents expressed the highest confidence levels, with their index climbing 4.7 percent to 55.5. Garifuna consumers reported a slight decline to 46.0, while the Mestizo/Hispanic community’s sentiment remained stable at 44.8.