UN forecasts global economic growth of 2.7% in 2026

The United Nations projects global growth of 2.7% in 2026, down slightly from its 2025 estimate, citing higher U.S. tariffs, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions as key factors.

The United Nations forecasts global economic growth of 2.7% in 2026, a slight decline from its 2025 estimate of 2.8%. U.N. officials pointed to higher U.S. tariffs, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions as influences on the outlook. The report also notes unexpected resilience in parts of the world driven by solid consumer spending and easing inflation, while warning that underlying weaknesses remain. Key points: - The U.N. projects global growth at 2.7% in 2026, with a rise to 2.9% projected for 2027; the 2025 estimate was 2.8%. - The report cites higher U.S. tariffs, economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions as factors that are reshaping prospects, while noting some resilience from consumer spending and easing inflation. - Regional notes include a U.S. slowdown from 2.8% in 2024 to an estimated 1.9% in 2025 with small increases forecast for 2026 and 2027; Japan and the EU are projected to have modest growth; several large developing economies are expected to continue solid growth, while many low-income and vulnerable countries face less favorable prospects, though the least developed countries are projected to see rising growth. Summary: The U.N. outlook indicates modest global growth in 2026 with persistent risks and uneven patterns across regions and income levels. Undetermined at this time.