The global economy is facing a new slowdown, while international conflicts, high energy prices and economic uncertainty are affecting growth prospects for 2026.
According to a new United Nations Trade and Development Conference report (UNCTAD), the world economy is expected to grow by just 2.6 percent this year, compared to 2.9 percent in 2025.
The Reuters agency reports that the forecast reflects the impact of the crisis in the Middle East, which has caused economic cuts and increased energy costs.
The slowdown could affect company investments, international trade and household purchasing power, especially in countries dependent on oil and gas imports.
However, the report also brings about a first - sight development that seems contradictory.
Despite economic slowdown, global trade in goods and services is expected to increase by about 4 percent in real terms during 2026.
According to W NNCTAD, this comes after a record year for international trade, which in 2025 amounted to about $35 trillion.
But experts warn that increasing the value of trade does not necessarily imply an overall improvement of the economy.
Higher energy prices can increase the monetary value of transactions, even when economic activity remains under pressure.
This means that businesses can pay more for transportation, production and supply, without necessarily benefiting from similar demand increases.
For companies operating in international markets, energy and transport costs remain among the main factors affecting the final prices of products.
Consumers too can feel the consequences, as increasing production costs are often reflected in the prices of daily food, services, and goods.
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (FMN) has warned that public debt and high energy prices pose significant risks to economic stability.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has called on governments to take measures to strengthen public finances and cope with possible economic shocks.
According to Reuters, The IMF is expected to publish the new World Economic Outlook report on 13 October, which will offer a more detailed picture of the global economic perspective.
For European countries and smaller economies, international developments are of particular importance, as changes in energy prices and global trade can directly affect business inflation and activity.
Although the world economy continues to grow, the UN report shows the pace of enlargement is weakening.
The challenge for governments and businesses over the coming months will be to preserve investments, control costs, and adapt to an increasingly uncertain economic environment.
