Weak dollar and unemployment in US hit remittance recipients in the Americas. Money sent to Mexico fell 4.6% in 2025 to $61.791 billion, ending 11 consecutive years of growth. According to an Inter-American Dialogue report, remittances grew 8% in nine Latin American countries. However, experts warn of a loss in purchasing power for recipients due to the 10% depreciation of the dollar. Economist Alejandra Y. Castillo called the weak dollar a 'double-edged sword', boosting exports but also increasing inflation. Additionally, the US unemployment rate hit 4.4%, leading to record layoffs in January. 'When US employment slows, it directly impacts remittance volumes, creating immediate pressure on local consumption, retail sales, and tax revenues,' warned Nur Cristiani of J.P. Morgan.
