There was a strong economy between 1999 and 2000 when it contracted in 2001 and 2002 due to slowdowns in tourism , consumer spending and the impact of the September 11 attacks in the United States and the 7 July 2005 London bombings , but rebounded in 2003 and has shown growth since 2004 . Traditional trading partners include Canada , the Caribbean Community ( especially Trinidad and Tobago ) , the United Kingdom and the United States . Recent government administrations have continued efforts to reduce unemployment , encourage foreign direct investment , and privatise remaining state-owned enterprises . Unemployment was reduced to 10.7 % in 2003 . However , it has since increased to 11.9 % in second quarter , 2015
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Barbados