ORANJESTAD, Aruba — A new Fitch Aruba update says economic growth exceeded earlier expectations while the government’s fiscal position and public-debt trend remain strong.
Growth forecast reaches 3.7% for 2026
DIARIO reported that Fitch cited the Central Bank of Aruba’s revised estimate of 6.3% real GDP growth in 2025, compared with Fitch’s earlier 2% calculation. The rating agency projects growth of 3.7% in 2026. Visitor numbers increased 11.3% during the first seven months of 2026 to about one million, while cruise tourism grew 6%.
Surplus and debt figures improve
The government recorded an Afl. 260 million surplus in the first half of 2026. Fitch projects a fiscal surplus equal to 3.6% of GDP for 2026 and public debt declining from 62.9% of GDP in the second quarter to 59.2% by year-end.
Aruba retains its BBB rating with a positive outlook. The September 15 update was not a new rating action.
Source: DIARIO’s report on the Fitch update.
