(22 January 2025 – Switzerland) The World Economic Forum (WEF) Chief Economists Outlook reveals a decidedly pessimistic view for global economic growth in 2025.
The threat of recession, fragmentation and long-term change continues to build around the world with particular concern over weak development in Europe and China coupled with rising government debt.
Over 1 in 2 chief economists predict the global economy will weaken next year (56 percent) while 17 percent anticipate an improvement. There is consensus that protectionism will cause durable changes to trade patterns
over the next three years, with conflict and national security concerns also highlighted as important drivers of change.
“While inflation is easing in most regions, uncertainty remains elevated and regional growth disparities shape an overall subdued outlook” stated WEF Economic Growth and Transformation Head, Aengus Collins.
“The Chief Economists Outlook also reveals intensifying pressures on the world’s economic interconnectedness with fragmentation trends expected to accelerate in goods and services trade, labour mobility, technology and data and to a lesser degree in finance. Although global trade remains resilient, tensions are expected to intensify both between major powers and more widely” said WEF Insight Lead, Economic Growth and Transformation, Philipp Großkurth.