World Economic Growth to Slow to 2.6% in 2026, UN Trade Body Says
UNCTAD said higher energy prices and Middle East turmoil are driving the slowdown, while trade is still expected to rise 4%, it said.
- On Friday, UNCTAD reported that global economic growth will likely slow to 2.6% in 2026, down from 2.9% last year, as the energy shock from the Middle East crisis tests the global economy.
- Trade in goods and services is expected to expand by 4% in constant prices, after global trade reached a record $35 trillion in 2025, though UNCTAD noted the rise is driven by higher energy prices.
- Asia is projected to contribute 59% of global economic growth in 2026, with India expanding at 7.3%, China at 4.5%, and Indonesia at 5.2%, even as UNCTAD warns regulations "make strategic sectors harder for new entrants to access."
- Trade between China and North America has fallen by more than 20% since 2024, while East Asia has expanded its trade footprint with both China and North America, illustrating shifting economic dynamics.
- The International Monetary Fund forecasts 3% growth, while the World Bank projects 2.5% due to the Iran war, flagging risks like trade fragmentation and AI-related corrections.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Today, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) weighted a slowdown in world economic growth to 2.6% this year in 2026, down from 2.9% last year.
World growth to slow to 2.6% in 2026 as Middle East crisis hits global economy
UNCTAD said global growth could slow to 2.6% in 2026 as the Middle East crisis drives an energy shock. The report also highlighted Asia's growth role, shifting trade flows and AI-linked market risks.
World economic growth to slow to 2.6% in 2026, UN trade body says
Global economic growth will probably slow to 2.6% in 2026, ahead of 2.9% last year, as the energy shock caused by the crisis in the Middle East puts the global economy to the test, informed this Friday the Unctad, United Nations agency for trade and development. It is expected that the trade of goods and [...]
After a record year in 2025, the value of global trade flows is expected to continue to grow in 2026, the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced Friday, broadcasts AFP.
A United Nations (UNCTAD) report warns that global economic growth will fall to 2.6 percent in 2026 due to rising energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East. While global trade hit a record high of $35 trillion, developed countries, which have captured 70 percent of artificial intelligence investments, are widening the gap.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
