UN Cuts Global Growth Forecast for 2026 to 2.5%

2026-05-19 23:20 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday cut its forecast for global economic growth to 2.5% in 2026, compared with an estimated 3.0% in 2025, marking a downgrade of 0.2 percentage points from its January projection and remaining well below pre-pandemic growth rates due to inflationary pressures amid the Middle East conflict.

In a U.N.

press release summarizing the mid-year update to the global body's World Economic Situation and Prospects, the agency said solid labor markets, resilient consumer demand, and AI-driven trade and investment are expected to provide support, though the downgrade underscores further weakness in the already subdued global outlook.

The surge in energy prices has delivered windfall gains for energy companies but intensified cost pressures for households and businesses.

The US economy is expected to remain comparatively resilient, with growth projected at 2.0% in 2026, supported by strong household demand and continued investment in technology.



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UN Cuts Global Growth Forecast for 2026 to 2.5%
The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday cut its forecast for global economic growth to 2.5% in 2026, compared with an estimated 3.0% in 2025, marking a downgrade of 0.2 percentage points from its January projection and remaining well below pre-pandemic growth rates due to inflationary pressures amid the Middle East conflict. In a U.N. press release summarizing the mid-year update to the global body's World Economic Situation and Prospects, the agency said solid labor markets, resilient consumer demand, and AI-driven trade and investment are expected to provide support, though the downgrade underscores further weakness in the already subdued global outlook. The surge in energy prices has delivered windfall gains for energy companies but intensified cost pressures for households and businesses. The US economy is expected to remain comparatively resilient, with growth projected at 2.0% in 2026, supported by strong household demand and continued investment in technology.
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