For Immediate Release: Castries, St. Lucia, January 28, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry andAgriculture Business Performance Survey Signals Subdued Conditions Amid RisingCost Pressures

Castries, Saint Lucia — The St. LuciaChamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has released the findings of itsBusiness Performance Survey (Take 15) for the second quarter of 2025, coveringthe period April to June. The survey highlights a generally subdued operating environmentfor businesses, characterized by declining sales, workforce contraction, risingcosts, and cautious business sentiment.

Survey respondents were primarily located inCastries (47%), with 39% identifying as Chamber members. The results reflectthe realities of a predominantly small-business economy, as 80% ofparticipating firms employ fewer than 10 people.

Labour market indicators showed a net declinein employment, with 25% of firms reducing their workforce and only 8% reportingincreases. Recruitment challenges persist, particularly for professional andskilled manual positions. Business performance indicators also weakened, withdeclines reported in both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter sales, alongsidedeteriorating cashflow conditions.

Despite short-term pressures, overallperformance in 2025 compared with 2024 was more positive, with a significantproportion of businesses reporting improvement. Inflation and rising inputcosts emerged as the most pressing concerns, with labour costs and goods prices identified as the main drivers of expected price increases in the third quarterof 2025.

Investment activity remained largely unchanged, and while most businesses reported no impact from the minimum wage, those affected indicated increased operating costs. Overall, the survey underscores the need for continued cost management and risk containment, while carefully positioning for future growth.

BPS T15-Report(1).pptx

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For more information contact: Mr. Brian Louisy, Executive Director

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