Antigua and Barbuda records easing inflation rate

Antigua and Barbuda’s inflation rate rose by 4.0% over the 12-month period ending February 2025, marking the slowest annual increase in consumer prices since December 2023, according to the country’s National Bureau of Statistics.

The Cabinet has welcomed the development, describing it as a positive sign of economic stabilization amid ongoing global uncertainty. Officials credited the Gaston Browne Administration’s leadership and economic strategy for helping shield the country from major external shocks, including conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and global trade tensions involving the United States.

Despite the tempered inflation rate, many essential food items remain steeply priced. The cost of rice jumped by 14.1%, bread rose 12.9%, and eggs and related products surged by 18.3% compared to the same time last year.

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy costs, registered a slightly higher increase of 4.3%, underscoring persistent pressures in other sectors of the economy.

Government officials acknowledged that Antigua and Barbuda’s heavy dependence on imported goods continues to make the nation vulnerable to international price swings, especially in critical areas like food and energy. Still, they emphasized that the relatively moderate inflation rate reflects the country’s resilience and prudent fiscal management during turbulent global times.