World growth: A slowdown to 2.8% in 2025 according to the IMF

The International Monetary Fund abruptly lowers its growth forecasts for 2025: 2.8% versus the 3.3% announced in January.

The cause being an unprecedented increase in customs duties, notably initiated by the United States in early April.

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF chief economist declares that “We’re entering a new era: the rules of world trade are being shaken up, and new ones have yet to be invented”.

US tariffs now affect almost all countries, and are at levels not seen for a century. The IMF refers to a “major negative shock ”for the world economy.

Result: expected global growth is below the historical average of the last twenty years (3.7%) and could be even lower if the trade war intensifies. A climate of uncertainty slowing investment, holding back trade and undermining recovery.

source: IMF