2022 Latin American and Caribbean Macroeconomic Report: From Recovery to Renaissance: Turning Crisis into Opportunity

Economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean was stronger than expected in 2021 but waned at the start of 2022. High commodity prices due to the war between Russia and Ukraine will provide a boost to exporters, while imposing significant costs on commodity importers and pushing up inflation across countries. The ongoing conflict, together with policy normalization in advanced economies, carries significant risks for the region. Volatility in financial markets could depress investment and bring down growth further. Policymakers need to take urgent measures to boost inclusive growth. As minor fixes are unlikely to result in notable benefits, governments should consider more fundamental resets of policy frameworks. This report analyzes growth prospects, monetary policy, and external and financial sectors. The recommendations stress the need for a new architecture for both fiscal and labor market policies. Policymakers should seize the window of opportunity provided by the COVID-19 crisis and global security concerns to improve the outlook for the region.