At the recently concluded 2025 IMF & World Bank Spring Meetings, global economic conversations revealed a complex mix of challenges and new momentum, with buzzwords reflecting the forces shaping this year’s economic landscape.

Uncertainty
IMF reports reduced growth projections and warned that global trade policy uncertainty is “literally off the charts” amid concerns over reciprocal tariffs and rising protectionism.

Tariff
New U.S. tariff policies, especially reciprocal tariffs, have the potential to disrupt global supply chains, slow economic growth, and fuel inflation both in the U.S. and globally.

Debt
Rising global inflation, trade uncertainty, and new tariffs are adding debt burdens in vulnerable economies, threatening financial stability and limiting development.

Resilient
Developing countries and emerging economies remain resilient, driven by stronger regional trade, a growing young workforce, and expanding access to technology and infrastructure.

AI
The IMF shared optimism on AI, projecting that while electricity demand could more than triple due to its adoption, the economic benefits are expected to outweigh the additional burden.

Sustainability
Emerging sectors like AI and green development are creating jobs, boosting growth, and helping tackle climate challenges, with renewable energy reaching the least connected regions.

Spring Meetings 2025: Where Uncertainty Meets Opportunity
While global uncertainty persists, the IMF & World Bank 2025 Spring Meetings also highlighted some positive trends.

The Promise of the Global South
While global uncertainty persists, the 2025 Spring Meetings also noted the resilience of fast-growing trade within and between developing countries, and expressed optimism about the Global South’s potential to further drive global growth and prosperity.