Remittance inflows to Jamaica increased by 3.8 percent in 2025, reaching US$3.49 billion as a surge in diaspora support during the final months of the year offset declines caused by the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
According to data released by the Bank of Jamaica, the total slightly surpassed the US$3.36 billion recorded in 2024. While the annual growth rate was modest compared with the rapid increases seen during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the figures highlight the continued importance of overseas Jamaicans in supporting the island’s economy.
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Remittances, funds sent home by Jamaicans living abroad, remain one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange and a critical lifeline for thousands of households that rely on the money for daily expenses, education, housing, and healthcare.
Hurricane Disruptions and Year-End Recovery
Monthly data reveal that the flow of remittances slowed significantly following Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in October 2025, which disrupted economic activity across sections of western Jamaica and temporarily affected the informal networks often used to transfer funds.
Net remittances declined year-over-year in both October and November. In November 2025, net inflows totaled US$267.6 million, representing a 4.6 percent decline compared with the same month in 2024.
However, the slowdown proved short-lived. Remittance inflows rebounded sharply in December as diaspora communities mobilized to assist relatives and communities affected by the storm. Net inflows climbed to US$315.3 million, marking a 13.6 percent increase compared with December 2024 and the largest monthly jump recorded during the year.
The spike was driven largely by an increase of US$36.2 million in gross inflows as Jamaicans abroad provided financial support for relief, rebuilding and household recovery efforts.
United States Remains the Main Source
The United States continued to dominate as the primary remittance corridor to Jamaica. In December alone, transfers from the U.S. accounted for 66.6 percent of total inflows.
Other significant sources included the United Kingdom, which represented 12.5 percent of remittances during the month, followed by Canada at 8.9 percent and the Cayman Islands at 6.9 percent.
The strong contribution from these countries reflects the size of Jamaica’s diaspora population, particularly in North America and the United Kingdom, where large Jamaican communities have been established for decades.
Regional Comparison
While Jamaica recorded moderate growth in remittances for 2025, several Latin American countries saw significantly larger increases. El Salvador and Guatemala experienced growth rates of 18.9 percent and 18.7 percent respectively during the same period.
In contrast, Mexico, the largest remittance recipient in the region, recorded a 4.6 percent decline in remittance inflows during 2025.
Despite the relatively slower growth, remittances remain a cornerstone of Jamaica’s economic stability.
Key Economic Support for Jamaica
According to previous economic estimates, remittances accounted for approximately 15.3 percent of Jamaica’s gross domestic product in 2024, the most recent year for which the ratio is available before the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
That share underscores the scale of their importance: remittance inflows currently exceed tourism receipts in certain periods and significantly outpace foreign direct investment, making them one of the most reliable sources of foreign exchange for the island
