economy
IMF forecasts Middle East and Central Asia contraction in 2026
-0.3%
The IMF forecasts Middle East and Central Asia GDP to contract in 2026.
The International Monetary Fund forecasts that the Middle East and Central Asia economy will contract in 2026, citing disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the fallout from the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
1 sourceAl JazeeraUpdated
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- -0.3%
AllegedThe IMF forecasts Middle East and Central Asia GDP to contract in 2026.
“the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to contract by 0.3 percent this year”
The IMF cited prolonged disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as a reason for the downgraded outlook.
“The IMF cited the prolonged disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz ... for the downgraded outlook.”
- 1.9%
AllegedThe IMF's April forecast was for Middle East and Central Asia GDP to grow in 2026.
“the 1.9 percent expansion projected in April”