Jamaica's producer price index sees mixed performance in April

 

The producer price index (PPI) for Jamaica showed a mixed performance in April 2025, according to the latest release from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN).

 

The mining and quarrying industry recorded a sharp 12 per cent decline, largely driven by a 12.5 per cent drop in the index for bauxite mining and alumina processing, the sector's dominant component.

 

In contrast, the manufacturing industry saw a marginal increase of 0.1 per cent. This was primarily supported by a 0.2 per cent rise in the food, beverages and tobacco category and a more notable 1.6 per cent increase in paper and paper products. But gains were dampened by a 0.3 per cent decline in the refined petroleum products category. 

 

On a year-over-year basis from April 2024 to 2025, the mining and quarrying industry saw its PPI rise by 8.3 per cent, again reflecting gains in bauxite and alumina processing which climbed 7.6 per cent. 

 

Meanwhile, the manufacturing industry's PPI slipped by 0.2 per cent year-over-year. The main drag was a steep 15.4 per cent drop in refined petroleum products, though this was partially offset by a 3.9 per cent increase in food, beverages and tobacco. 

 

The PPI measures average changes and the prices producers receive for their goods and is a key indicator of inflation at the wholesale levels.