The World Trade Organization (WTO) expects international trade to grow by 0.8% this year, down from the 1.7% estimated in April. In its updated forecasts released this week, the organization justifies the downgrade with an inflationary environment, rising interest rates in the United States and the European Union, as well as tension in the Chinese real estate market.
Grinding trade disputes are undermining the global economy, which is set to see its slowest growth in nearly a decade, the new IMF chief said on Tuesday. Research shows the impact of the trade conflict is widespread and countries must be ready to respond in unison with cash infusions, Kristalina Georgieva said in her first speech as managing director of the International Monetary Fund.