The UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) body has warned that global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.6% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025, marking the weakest medium-term growth outlook since the 2009 financial crisis. The report attributes the subdued forecast to persistent geopolitical uncertainty, financial volatility, and the rising pressure from trade protectionism and tariffs. UNCTAD stressed that developing economies, despite driving most growth, face the harshest constraints from high borrowing costs and climate risks.
Trade Protectionism and Tariffs Drag Global Growth to 2.6% for 2026
