The expectation is for market conditions to improve gradually over the near term. However, the ongoing electricity supply challenge is likely to have more of an impact on energysensitive markets, such as poultry and dairy farming. Another important factor that has impacted inflation in South African has been exchange rate weakness.
From a Central Bank perspective, having timely and accurate data will allow us to monitor what is happening in the economy, to recognise trends and to make sound recommendations for public policy. More broadly, it will help Barbados to better understand our markets, whatever the sector, and to target them more precisely, so that we can best utilise what are often limited resources.