United Nations Report: Global Economic Growth to Slow Down to 2.6 Percent

In the Trade and Development 2026 report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), it was announced that world economic growth will drop to 2.6% this year.

Global Growth Expectations

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published its Trade and Development 2026: The Geoeconomics of Development report. The report recalled that the world economy grew by 2.9% in 2025.

According to the latest data released, global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.6% this year, and record a growth of 2.7% in 2027.

Situation of Developing Countries

Growth in developing economies is expected to decline from 4.7% in 2025 to 4% this year.

It was stated that these countries are facing new technological and policy barriers and are struggling to catch up with advanced economies.

Strategic Sectors and Investments

Advanced economies hold approximately 70% of new investments in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and clean technology.

While developing economies are in a leading position in critical minerals, they struggle to add value to these resources.

Trade and Regional Trends

While global trade in goods and services is expected to grow by 4% this year, artificial intelligence was stated to be the driving force of dynamism in trade.

Following a 2.1% growth in 2025, the US economy is expected to grow by 2.1% this year and 1.8% in 2027.