Middle East Crisis Sparks Global Economic Slowdown and Inflation, UN Report Shows

Published: May 23, 2026 15:32

Save

The *World Economic Situation and Prospects as of Mid-2026* report released by the United Nations clearly pointed out that the Middle East crisis has posed a new round of shocks to the global economy, directly leading to a slowdown in global economic growth, a renewed climb in inflationary pressures, and a further intensification of global economic uncertainty. Notably, the impact of this crisis has been highly uneven, with developing countries bearing the brunt of the shocks. As things stand, global economic growth is expected to reach 2.5% in 2026, though this figure has been revised down by 0.2 percentage points from the January forecast.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.minsAgo

Geopolitical Risks Cool at the Margin, LME Outperforms SHFE in Aluminum Market [SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Minutes]

[Geopolitical Risks Cool at the Margin; LME Outperforms SHFE Pattern in Aluminum Market Remains Unchanged] On the fundamentals side, the supply gap outside China and low inventory continue to provide bottom support. However, elevated inventory levels in China remain the core factor suppressing significant price rallies. Additionally, weak trading performance in the spot market further limits the upside room for aluminum prices. In the short term, aluminum prices are expected to continue the pattern of LME outperforming SHFE, fluctuating at highs.

Common.Time.minsAgo

Aluminum Alloy Rebounded from Low-Level Support in Night Session, Spot Cargo Dominated by Rigid Demand with Sluggish Trading [SMM Cast Aluminum Alloy Morning Comment]

[SMM Cast Aluminum Alloy Morning Comment: Aluminum Alloy Rebounded from Low-Level Support in Night Session, Spot Cargo Dominated by Rigid Demand with Sluggish Trading] Last Friday, the ADC12 market overall continued a stable-price wait-and-see pattern, with cautious market sentiment. The SMM ADC12 price remained stable from the previous day at 23,700 yuan/mt.

Common.Time.minsAgo

Common.Time.hoursAgo

Aluminum Foil Exports Down 6% YoY in April; Full-Year Export Recovery Remains in Question [SMM Analysis]

According to customs data, China's total aluminum foil exports (tariff codes 76071110, 76071120, 76071190, 76071900, 76072000) reached 114,400 mt in April 2026, up 10.5% MoM but down 6.2% YoY.

Common.Time.hoursAgo