OECD cuts global growth forecast to 2.9% for 2025 amid trade, policy uncertainties
Outlook dims for major economies; Türkiye’s inflation seen easing, growth slowing slightly

ISTANBUL
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday downgraded its global economic growth forecast to 2.9% for both 2025 and 2026, down from 3.1% in its previous outlook, citing rising trade barriers, tighter financial conditions, and mounting policy uncertainty.
“The slowdown is concentrated in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China, with other economies expected to see smaller downward adjustments,” the OECD said in its latest Economic Outlook report.
It stated that the global economic environment is becoming increasingly challenging with substantial increases in trade barriers, tighter financial conditions, weakened business and consumer confidence, and elevated policy uncertainty posing risks to the gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
"If these trends continue, they could substantially dampen economic prospects. Rising trade costs—particularly in countries implementing new tariffs—are likely to fuel inflation, although this may be partly offset by softer commodity prices," the report said.
Key concerns for the future include further escalations or sudden shifts in trade policies, more cautious behavior from consumers and businesses, and continued repricing of risk in financial markets.
The report said that inflation may stay elevated for longer than expected, especially if inflation expectations continue to rise.
However, if the trade barriers are lifted as soon as possible, it may boost economic growth and help ease inflationary pressures.
The US economy, which grew by 2.8% last year, is expected to grow by 1.6% this year and 1.5% in 2026. OECD had estimated the US economy to grow 2.2% this year and 1.6% next year in its previous forecast.
In the Eurozone, growth is expected to increase from 0.8% in 2024 to 1% this year and 1.2% in 2026, the same as the previous report.
The Chinese economy is projected to slow from 5% growth in 2024 to 4.7% this year and 4.3% next year, down from the previous projections of 4.8% for 2025 and 4.4% next year.
Türkiye's economy is estimated to expand by 2.9% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, also down from the previous estimate of 3.1% for this year and 3.9% for 2026.
The annual inflation in Türkiye is expected to ease to 31.4% this year and to 18.5% next year.
Additionally, Türkiye's budget deficit to GDP ratio is expected to fall from 4.9% in 2024 to 3.3% in 2025 and 3% in 2026.
"Türkiye has been one of the fastest‑growing economies in the OECD over the past decade. However, the income gap with OECD countries remains large and structural challenges persist. More prudent macroeconomic policies are helping to restore sustainable growth and to reduce economic imbalances, and should be pursued," the report said.
"Over the long term, improving public finances will require more efficient consumption taxes, a broader income tax base, and strengthened social assistance. Higher labour market participation is also key," it added.
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