The United Nations has announced its global economic growth forecast
The United Nations forecasts that global economic growth will reach 2.7% this year.
Startup.az reports, citing the UN’s report, that this figure is lower than the 2.8% projected for 2025 and the pre-pandemic average of 3.2%. Global economic growth is also expected to amount to 2.9% in 2027. It is noted that trade tensions and financial challenges have had a negative impact on the outlook.
The UN also forecasts a loss of momentum in global trade. Global trade is expected to grow by 2.2% this year. Inflation is projected to decline to 3.1% this year, compared to 3.4% in 2025, while price pressures are expected to continue to negatively affect real incomes.
The report states that despite the sharp increase in US trade tariffs last year, the global economy demonstrated unexpected resilience. Rising consumer spending and easing inflation supported economic growth; however, structural weaknesses persist. Declining investment and constrained fiscal space continue to weigh on economic activity, increasing the risk that the global economy may shift to a permanently slower growth trajectory compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Although a partial easing of trade tensions has been observed, the impact of high tariffs and growing macroeconomic uncertainty is expected to become more pronounced in 2026. While monetary policy easing and improved market sentiment have helped relax financial conditions, risks remain, particularly due to high valuations in sectors linked to the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
In addition, the report notes that high debt levels and rising borrowing costs are limiting policy space for many developing economies.