
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
Israel's haredi draft crisis: Court ruling and political stalemate reach breaking point - 2
The Most Compelling Books of the 10 years - 3
King Charles shares cancer treatment update, says it's a 'personal blessing' - 4
AbbVie plans to build out its presence in obesity market - 5
7 Logically Demonstrated Techniques for Better Rest
Songbirds swap colorful plumage genes across species lines among their evolutionary neighbors
19 Strange Motion pictures You Shouldn't Watch With Your Mum
Experts who once backed 'shaken baby' science now fight to free imprisoned caregivers
Climate engineering would alter the oceans, reshaping marine life – our new study examines each method’s risks
6 Savvy Locks for Lofts
6 Hints to Upgrade Your Appeal, In addition to Your Outlook
Bother Control Administrations for 2024: Decide for Your Home
Philippines evacuates 3,000 villagers after volcano activity raises alert level
4 Creative Savvy Home Gadgets of 2024: Reforming Home Robotization and Security













