Q3/2018: Is PR’s Economic Recovery a Mirage?
Analysis of Puerto Rico’s Q3-2018 Economic Indices
During the past decades, Puerto Rico has not been known for its execution of economic plans. Last year, Hurricane Maria put us to the test and Q3-2018 results appear to reflect positive gains. In fact, many of these gains could be the result of a devastatingly poor Q3 last year, so any small gain this year would appear as a solid road to economic recovery. However, a meager Leading index signals “we are not there yet.” We still need to execute an economic plan to rescue PR from being left behind. Competition from China is formidable, and we have not seen the full effects of a trade war between US and China. Big companies demand a large, skilled workforce, city amenities, and transportation. Mr. Trump’s negative perception of Puerto Rico or worse, our local use of federal disaster monies, adds to the Island’s perils. We need policymakers to focus on these issues.