The International Monetary Fund has warned that rising geopolitical tensions and a possible escalation of Donald Trump’s tariff war could slow global economic growth and unsettle financial markets.
In an update to its World Economic Outlook, the IMF said renewed trade tensions, including Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Nato allies opposing his stance on Greenland, represent one of the biggest risks to global growth in 2026. The UK is among eight European countries facing potential sanctions.
The fund cautioned that a breakdown in relations between major economies could prolong uncertainty, disrupt supply chains and affect commodity prices, undermining its growth forecasts. These warnings come ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, seen as a key test for international cooperation.
Despite the risks, the IMF said global growth is expected to remain resilient at 3.3% in 2026, supported by strong investment in technology and artificial intelligence, particularly in the US. It upgraded its US growth forecast for this year to 2.4%.
The IMF left its UK growth outlook largely unchanged, forecasting 1.3% growth this year and 1.5% next year, while noting inflation is unlikely to return to the Bank of England’s 2% target until late 2026.
A joint statement from the European countries targeted by Trump said the tariff threats «undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.»
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Negotiations have started on easing the U.S. visa regime for Uzbek citizens, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to the United States.
