MARIA ANTONIETA DEL CID NAVAS DE BONILLA Q&A

摘要

Inflation is affecting every economy but it is particularly strong in central American nations, which are net importers of oil and commodities. The region is experiencing two-digit inflation and even dollarised nations have been getting close to that level. Price rises have been severe in staples, such as corn and wheat, which account for much of our consumer price index [CPI]. Whereas in developed nations, food accounts for 12% to 14% of CPI, in Guatemala it accounts for almost 39%. To meet this challenge, we adjusted the interest rate six times last year by 150 basis points and had made two adjustments this year by September. The future of inflation depends on whether external shocks dissipate - we have recently seen a decline in the prices of oil and corn and wheat but it is very unclear whether this will last.