
The Iran war is "testing the resilience of the global economy," and is set to dampen economic growth this year, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said in a report released on Thursday.
Global growth is forecast to slow to 2.9% this year before edging back up to 3.0% in 2027, according to the OECD.
The unpredictable trajectory of the Middle East conflict was driving up costs and dampening demand, offsetting the positive impetus from investment in new technologies and the momentum carried over from the previous year, it said.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to energy infrastructure had caused a sharp rise in energy prices and disrupted supplies of other key materials such as fertilizer, according to the OECD.
The scale and duration of the conflict were highly uncertain, but a prolonged period of higher energy prices would significantly increase costs for businesses and consumer prices, with negative consequences for growth, the OECD said.
The "evolving conflict [...] generates significant uncertainty around global demand," it said.
In the US, growth is expected to slow from 2.0% this year to 1.7% next year, the OECD forecast, as strong investment in artificial intelligence is gradually offset by a slowdown in income growth and consumer spending.
In the eurozone, the OECD expects growth to slow to 0.8% this year before recovering to 1.2% in 2027, boosted by higher defence spending.
In China, growth is projected to fall to 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
The conflict was also weighing on the growth of the German economy, which the OECD said would grow by only 0.8% this year - 0.2 percentage points less than forecast in its previous economic outlook in December.
Growth of 1.5% is still expected for 2027, unchanged from the previous forecast.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
'Harry Potter' fans rejoice: HBO releases 1st trailer for new TV series, set to premiere this Christmas - 2
Illegal entries into Germany halve over two years, border police say - 3
10 Activities to Lift Your Consume and Bust Your Stomach - 4
2024 Manual for Light Extravagance Room Feel: What's Moving - 5
Muslim nations condemn new Israeli death penalty law
Nepal’s youngest premier sworn in after releasing new rap song about unity
Solid Propensities: Little Changes for a Superior Life
Kate Middleton and Prince William unveil annual family Christmas card photo with George, Charlotte and Louis
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
Vote in favor of the handheld vacuum that you love for its strong attractions!
Four new luxury hotel openings in Italy you need to know about
Embrace the Outside: Exercises and Entertainment
Defense Minister Katz finally condemns Jewish extremist violence against Palestinians
Energy agency chief warns of 'black April' for oil supplies












