Remittances growth in Latin America will slow in 2017

Subject

The outlook for remittance inflows.

Significance

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) was the only region in the world that registered an increase in family remittances last year.

Impacts

• The rise in 'extra' remittances after last year's US presidential election will not be repeated this year.
• The taxing of remittances could partially reverse many years of efforts to lower sending costs.
• Increased employment in the US construction sector could help sustain remittances to LAC.