World economic growth to slow to 2.6 per cent in 2026, UN trade body says
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.6 per cent in 2026 amid energy shocks from the Middle East crisis. Trade in goods and services is expected to expand by 4 per cent driven by higher energy prices. Asia is forecasted to contribute 59 per cent of global growth, with India at 7.3 per cent and China at 4.5 per cent. The International Monetary Fund has set a 3% growth forecast, citing various risks.
Global economic growth will likely slow to 2.6% in 2026, down from 2.9% last year, as the energy shock from the crisis in the Middle East is putting the global economy to the test, the United Nations agency for trade and development said on Friday. Trade in goods and services is expected to expand by 4% in constant prices, after global trade reached a record $35 trillion in 2025, but the projected rise is driven by higher energy prices, UNCTAD said in its trade and development report. Here are more details: * Trade between China and the US has fallen by more than 20% since 2024, while East Asia has expanded trade with both China and North America. Advt
* "Export controls, investment screening and supply-chain conditions make strategic sectors harder for new entrants to access," UNCTAD said. 2%. * While AI products, like semiconductors, are the main driver of merchandise trade, growth in AI-related trade does not automatically mean broad development gains, UNCTAD said.
Source link







