IMF raises global growth forecast as tariffs ease

YEREVAN, July 30. /ARKA/. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is forecasting stronger global growth than it forecast in April, partly due to the easing of some U.S. tariffs on goods.

According to IMF, a sharp rise in U.S. imports, driven by companies’ efforts to resist upcoming tariff hikes and some governments’ moves to boost growth, contributed to the latest forecast.

But the IMF warned that higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty could lead to weaker growth and a slowdown in economic activity.

The IMF, which represents 190 countries working together to stabilize the global economy, said the upgrade to its global forecasts reflected a “tentative buildup” in trade in recent months, referring to a surge in imports into the United States.

The IMF forecasts global economic growth of 3% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, up from 2.8% and 3% in its April report. However, that is still below the 3.3% forecast for both years in January, before US President Donald Trump took office, and the pre-pandemic historical average of 3.7%.-0-