The World Bank has raised its forecast for global economic growth in 2026 to 2.6%, which is 0.2% higher than the projection made in June 2025.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the World Bank stated in the latest issue of its Global Economic Prospects report released on the 13th that despite increased trade tensions and heightened policy uncertainty, the global economy has shown resilience over the past year, partly due to a surge in investment in artificial intelligence (AI). However, at the same time, the gap in living standards worldwide is widening, and the growing disparity between rich and poor countries is cause for concern. The period from 2020 to 2030 "may become the weakest decade for global economic growth since the 1960s."
The report warns that as the impact of U.S. tariff policies gradually becomes apparent, global trade growth in 2026 will slow significantly, and the resulting downside risks to the economy remain.