Global economic growth estimated to slow to 2.4% in 2024: UN report

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Global economic growth is projected to decline from an estimated 2.7% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024, according to a UN report released Thursday.

The World Economic Situation and Prospects report said growth is forecast to improve moderately to 2.7% in 2025 but will remain below the pre-pandemic trend growth rate of 3.0%.

Global inflation is projected to decline further, from an estimated 5.7% in 2023 to 3.9% in 2024, the report said.

"But price pressures are still elevated in many countries and any further escalation of geopolitical conflict will add to that," it added.

In about a quarter of all developing countries, annual inflation is projected to exceed 10% in 2024, the report highlighted.

The US is expected to see a drop in gross domestic product (GDP) growth from 2.5% in 2023 to 1.4% in 2024, it said, adding China is projected to experience a moderate slowdown with growth estimated at 4.7% in 2024, down from 5.3% last year.

According to the report, Europe and Japan also face challenges with growth rates forecasted at 1.2% for both regions in 2024. Meanwhile, Africa’s growth rate is projected to slightly increase from 3.3% in 2023 to 3.5% in 2024.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the report makes it clear that 2024 is projected to be "another tough year."

Sluggish global growth is projected to slow further. Investment will remain weak. The debt crisis will continue to spiral, as debt service obligations reach new heights, he said, adding devastating conflicts and escalating extreme weather are bringing uncertainty and risk to the global economy.

"2024 must be the year when we break out of this quagmire. By unlocking big, bold investments we can drive sustainable development and climate action, and put the global economy on a stronger growth path for all," Guterres said.