The Bank of Guatemala updated its macroeconomic outlook, raising its central forecast for economic growth in 2026 to 4.3% from 4.1%, with growth projected at 4.0% in 2027. Headline inflation, which stood at 2.70% in July, is forecast at 2.89% at the end of 2026 and 3.75% at the end of 2027, compared with the bank’s target of 4.0% plus or minus 1 percentage point. The bank projects remittance inflows to rise 5.0% to USD 26.81 billion in 2026, while imports and exports are expected to increase 9.0% and 6.5%, respectively. The current account surplus is forecast to narrow from 4.7% of gross domestic product in 2025 to 3.8% in 2026 and 2.7% in 2027. Private-sector bank credit was growing 6.9% year over year as of Aug. 20.
2026-08-27Bank of Guatemala
Bank of Guatemala raises 2026 growth forecast to 4.3%, projects 2.89% year-end inflation
The Bank of Guatemala raised its 2026 growth forecast to 4.3% and projects 4.0% growth in 2027. Inflation is expected to rise from 2.70% in July to 2.89% at the end of 2026 and 3.75% at the end of 2027. The current account surplus is forecast at 3.8% of GDP in 2026.