UNCTAD Projects Global Economic Growth to Slow to 2.6% in 2026 Amid Mounting Barriers

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) forecasts a slowdown in global economic growth to 2.6% in 2026 and 2.7% in 2027, down from 2.9% in 2025. This deceleration is attributed to increasing technological and policy barriers. Growth in developing economies is also expected to decline to 4% from 4.7%, with global trade patterns shifting due to factors like rising energy prices and geopolitical considerations.