Seven Puerto Rico projects win grants for space station research — a NAPREC perspective
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust selected seven research projects for experiments aboard the International Space Station, with grants of $50,000 each, or $350,000 in total; the program covers mission costs separately. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
PRIDCO to demolish Vega Baja building vacant since 1998 — a NAPREC perspective
The Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co. plans to demolish a deteriorated, 91,671-square-foot industrial building in Vega Baja, vacant since 1998, and market the site for industrial development. Bids are due Dec. 2. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
IRS proposes new penalties in Amgen’s Puerto Rico tax dispute — a NAPREC perspective
Amgen disclosed that the IRS proposed additional penalties for 2016 through 2018 over profits attributed to its Puerto Rico operations, expanding a dispute in which the company is contesting $10.7 billion in earlier tax and penalty claims. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Puerto Rico’s new Opportunity Zone map shrinks by nearly 80% — a NAPREC perspective
Treasury and the IRS designated 178 Opportunity Zones in Puerto Rico in the latest federal round, 79.4% fewer than the 863 zones of the original program. The new designations take effect January 1, 2027, and run through December 31, 2036. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Bankruptcy filings rise 3.2% in October — a NAPREC perspective
Puerto Rico recorded 586 bankruptcy filings in October, up 3.2% from a year earlier, according to Boletín de Puerto Rico. Filings for January through October reached 5,283, up 4.8% from the same period in 2025. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
$77 million hotel complex opens in the convention district — a NAPREC perspective
PRISA Group opened Hampton by Hilton San Juan and Homewood Suites by Hilton San Juan, a 257-room complex representing an investment of more than $77 million, raising the district’s hotel inventory from 955 to 1,212 rooms. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
New York Fed: Puerto Rico’s growth has stalled — a NAPREC perspective
At the Oversight Board’s economic symposium on Nov. 4, a Federal Reserve Bank of New York adviser said Puerto Rico’s Economic Activity Index has been largely unchanged since 2023 and employment growth has stalled, while credit card delinquencies and youth migration remain concerns. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Three local chocolate makers plan nearly $3 million in expansions — a NAPREC perspective
Three Puerto Rico chocolate makers, Montadero Chocolate, Puerto Rico Chocolate Corp. and Hacienda Chocolat Corp., plan to invest nearly $3 million in expansions supported by Department of Economic Development and Commerce incentives, creating 19 jobs. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Data center bill offers tax rates as low as 1% — a NAPREC perspective
House Bill 1523, introduced October 15, would offer income tax rates as low as 1% to qualified computing and artificial intelligence centers that meet power supply, grid support and other operating requirements meant to protect the island’s power system. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
COSSEC reports record capital and plans $3.6 million in dividends — a NAPREC perspective
COSSEC, Puerto Rico’s credit union regulator and insurer, reported its highest capitalization ratio, 2.98%, and a net position of about $305 million at the close of fiscal 2026, and plans to distribute $3.6 million in dividends to insured credit unions. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Puerto Rico businesses lag most states in AI use — a NAPREC perspective
Only 15.7% of Puerto Rico businesses surveyed by the U.S. Census Bureau in October reported using artificial intelligence in any business function, compared with 24.6% on average. Four states reported lower use: New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho and West Virginia. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Aibonito apparel plant plans $1.2 million expansion — a NAPREC perspective
PRAK Industries LLC plans to invest about $1.2 million in its Aibonito plant, which makes military and commercial apparel, with a commitment to create and retain a total of 120 jobs, according to the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Unemployment in Puerto Rico rises to 6.2 percent — a NAPREC perspective
Seasonally adjusted figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate rose to 6.2 percent in September 2026, from 5.6 percent in April and May. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Convention district becomes Harbor District, with $24 million in projects — a NAPREC perspective
The Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority introduced Harbor District as a new brand for its properties and announced a proposed $4 million public park and a $20 million sports complex in San Juan. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Hotel and short-term rental revenue tops $1.6 billion through September — a NAPREC perspective
Puerto Rico’s hotels and short-term rentals generated more than $1.6 billion in revenue in the first nine months of 2026, up 6% from a year earlier, according to Discover Puerto Rico. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Report finds shopping centers steady as retail growth slows — a NAPREC perspective
A Caribbean Real Estate Services report found that Puerto Rico’s shopping centers remain productive despite the loss of about 600,000 residents since 2000, with Plaza Las Américas ranking first in a sales comparison. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Toyota plans $55 million expansion of Toa Baja distribution center — a NAPREC perspective
Toyota de Puerto Rico plans to invest more than $55 million to expand and modernize its vehicle and parts distribution center in Toa Baja, which processes more than 35,000 new vehicles a year. Completion is projected for 2031. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Construction work grows 9.6% in fiscal 2026, led by reconstruction — a NAPREC perspective
The value of construction work in Puerto Rico rose 9.6% in fiscal 2026, up from 5.9% the previous year, according to preliminary Puerto Rico Planning Board figures that credit public investment and reconstruction. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Gaming Commission reports $45 million in slot machine revenue — a NAPREC perspective
Puerto Rico’s Gaming Commission said it collected more than $45 million over 14 months from regulated slot machines outside casinos, allocating $17.6 million to the Police Retirement Trust, $12 million to municipalities and $12 million to the General Fund. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.
Construction grows 9.6 percent as reconstruction accelerates — a NAPREC perspective
Preliminary Planning Board figures show that the value of construction in Puerto Rico grew 9.6 percent in fiscal year 2026, up from 5.9 percent in fiscal 2025, driven mainly by public investment and recovery projects. Original NAPREC analysis in English and Spanish.