
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
Cuba fights to contain spread of mosquito-borne chikungunya virus - 2
Reports: Germany plans expansion of foreign intelligence powers - 3
NI economy losing momentum due to Iran crisis - 4
A Colombian city swaps iconic horse buggies for electric carriages amid animal welfare concerns - 5
Monetary Versatility: Get ready for Life's Unforeseen Difficulties
Which European palace do you fantasy about visiting? Vote!
Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle campaign and Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance were among the 10 biggest pop-culture moments of 2025
Are IDF reservists properly armed during post-war operations?
Explainer-Why are hepatitis B vaccines given to newborns?
Rio Tinto resumes operations at three Pilbara port terminals after cyclone Narelle
Your kid wants it now. What saying yes, no or not yet teaches kids about money and instant gratification.
A hunger for new experiences Narratives: Motivating Travel and Experience
Expert advice for new stargazers: How to begin your amateur astronomy journey
From Sea shores to Urban areas: Astonishing Worldwide Travel Objections












