
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
Discovery of massive spider's web in Greece reveals unexpected behavior - 2
Family-Accommodating Snow Sports Experiences - 3
China’s new condom tax will prove no effective barrier to country’s declining fertility rate - 4
Don't miss the waxing moon swing by the Beehive star cluster March 27 - 5
Eating ultra-processed foods could raise precancerous polyp risk for women under 50, according to research
The most effective method to Pick the Best Material Organization: Insider Tips
Netanyahu leads meeting on West Bank riots, Katz defends axing administrative detention for Jews
More people are addicted to marijuana, but fewer of them are seeking help, experts say
Where should we send a real 'Hail Mary' spacecraft? A new study has the answers
Protest inspired by 'Gen Z' movement draws few young people in Mexico and many government critics
Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 5 people and wound 30 more
Step by step instructions to Pick an Incineration Urn: Variables to Consider
Brazilian cardinal orders a popular Catholic priest to go offline following right-wing attacks
Don't miss these five impressive spots in Bangkok













