A brighter economic picture at year-end

The December economic report underscores a brighter performance in the final months of the year following a sluggish period marked by high global uncertainty. On the external front, exports regained growth momentum, likely as U.S. companies accelerated imports to mitigate potential tariff risks ahead of Donald Trump’s second presidential term. FDI also stood out as a highlight, with implementation figures reaching a record high in December. Domestically, jobs in the industrial sector continued to grow this month, possibly attributed to the acceleration in total retail sales, driving a rebound in retail sales and boosting shopping and tourism activities. This recovery strengthened consumer confidence and fueled an uptick in spending. These combined factors paint a more optimistic economic picture after months of stagnation caused by global macroeconomic challenges and natural disasters, setting the stage for a promising start to the new year.