The high cost of living, low quality jobs and depressed wages create distrust of Panamanian consumers, say economists and representatives of consumer associations.
According to the survey conducted by Ipsos and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) Index Panamanian Consumer Confidence (ICC) decreased by 12 percentage points compared to the previous measurement.
Thus, the ICC January percentage increased from 140 to 128 points, and stops the upward trend that began in late 2014.
Although the ICC is based on the perception of the consumer, for the economist Augusto García, this measures how the economic situation influences the household economy and expresses the concern of the citizens to a sustained slowdown.
Thus, Panamanians have lost 3 percentage points the hope that the situation will improve from their homes in the future.
For the secretary general of the National Union of Consumers and Users of the Republic of Panama (Uncurepa), Pedro Acosta, this corresponds mainly to the high cost of food and public transport, as well as high levels of insecurity.
"The increases are being seen, not invented," Acosta said.
This also reflected the Comptroller General statistics, which indicate an increase in 10 of the twelve groups that make up the consumer price index, including food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Ipsos also shows that the vision of the future Panama on the economic situation of the country has fallen 17 points compared to the previous measurement.
This represents the lowest rating since the beginning of 2014.
Given this, Garcia notes that the economic situation of the country depends on government action, and public investment.
In this regard, he clarified that what the current government, and come not compensate for a decade of high economic growth.
Garcia says it can happen that the situation continues at the same rate of current growth, but sees the short or medium term revival, beyond the actual.
"What does the government currently does not substantially improve the current economic situation," said the economist.
Similarly, the survey reveals that Panamanians perceive the level of unemployment in the next 12 months will grow and reach levels of August 2014.
According to Garcia, Panama currently can not speak of full employment taking into account an unemployment rate of 4.5% to 5%, in which 40% is informal.
This, according to the economist, reflects a country with low quality jobs and depressed wages.
The report released yesterday by Adolfo Gaffoglio, Country Manager of Ipsos, also states that the likelihood of saving money went from 139 points in July to 138 in January.
Datos
128
- puntos reflejó el indice de confianza del consumidor en enero 2016.
28
- puntos por encima del punto de equilibrio de 100, según la encuestadora Ipsos.
