World Bank Warns of Global Economic Impact Due to Proposed U.S. Tariffs

The World Bank has issued a cautionary report about the repercussions of proposed U.S. tariffs, suggesting that global economic growth could be hindered if nations retaliate with tariffs of their own. According to Reuters, the tariffs, which stand at 10% across-the-board, might reduce global economic growth from a projected 2.7% in 2025 by an additional 0.3 percentage points. Moreover, the potential retaliation could result in a 0.9% decrease in the U.S. growth forecast of 2.3% in 2025.

Read also: Eradicating Poverty for Half the World Could Take Over a Century, World Bank Warns

The World Bank’s ‘Global Economic Prospect’ report highlights a largely stagnant global economic outlook at 2.7% growth for 2025 and 2026, mirroring the rate for 2024. In addition, IndexBox data indicates a significant rise in global trade restrictions, now fivefold what they were during the 2010-2019 period. This, coupled with a halving of foreign direct investment into developing economies since the early 2000s, paints a bleak picture for the future.

Among emerging markets, growth is expected to reach merely 4% in the coming years, stunted by burdens such as high debt, weak investment, and increasing climate-related costs. As such, World Bank chief economist Indermit Gill urges reforms that could stimulate investment and enhance trade relations to avert further declines.

The global divide continues to widen as well, with economic growth in developing nations plummeting from nearly 6% in the 2000s to an average of about 3.5% in the 2020s. The disparity is particularly pronounced when excluding economic powerhouses like China and India, with per capita growth rates for other developing nations trailing those of wealthier economies since 2014.

Given the current situation, the World Bank cautions of grave risks including persistent inflation, heightened trade tensions, and uncertainty in global policy—all potent factors that could constrain investment and stifle growth. As the global economy braces for headwinds, nations may need to prioritize resilience through strategic policy reforms and stronger trade alliances.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}