The Overseas Departments Issuing Institute (IEDOM) presented the conjuncture economic of Saint-Martin by the end of September 2025According to François Groh, director of the agency, and Damion Gordon, head of research, the island continues to progress, but at a more measured pace than in 2024: “Growth is holding steady, even if the momentum is slowing down”.
Tourist traffic remains the main driver.
Le air traffic shows a spectacular increase: +45,7% in passenger arrivals in one year, with a 58,8% jump at Juliana Airport. Grand-Case is growing more modestly, but is also contributing to this trend. Arrivals far exceed 2019 levels, confirming the good health of the sectorJuliana, still in the process of optimizing its procedures, should continue on this path in 2026.
Cruises: a qualitative rebound on the French side
On the maritime side, activity is also trending upwards. Cruises are experiencing a strong recovery on the French side. multiplied by six, even though it still represents a small share (1% of the total) compared to Sint Maarten. But this rebound is qualitative: the ships welcomed are more positioned in the premium segment, an advantage for local consumption.
The construction industry, for its part, seems to be entering a normalization phase after the years of post-Irma reconstruction. The cement sales decline (-19%) and staffing levels stabilize at two-thirds of the peak in 2018-2019, but the real estate loans are progressing (+16,2%). The island remains a constrained market, exposed to direct competition with Sint Maarten, where standards and costs differ significantly.
An economy that is finding its bearings again
The IEDOM also highlights the return to an “out-of-crisis” economic functioning : seasonality of bank deposits, increase in overdrafts, gradual disappearance of businesses artificially kept afloat by aid. In parallel, the business creation remains very dynamic, confirming the local entrepreneurial spirit.
outlook 2026 are based on several key projects: Galisbay port extensionModernization of public services, urban redevelopment, water networks and high-speed internet. But, despite ambitious sums, funding is not fully guaranteed.
Attractiveness: the central issue for the future
One major challenge remains: preserve the island’s attractivenessTourism, energy, waste management, sanitation… each sector determines the region’s ability to attract visitors, investors, and new economic operators. For the IEDOM, the course is clear: growth continues, but it now depends on the collective ability to consolidate the fundamentals.
See also the 2024 report of the IEDOM : https://www.faxinfo.fr/economie-rapport-iedom-2024-le-tourisme-tire-la-reprise-mais-la-croissance-reste-fragile
Source: Faxinfo https://faxinfo.fr/en/economie-conjoncture-2025-lile-avance-mais-la-machine-ralentit/
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