IMF Spokesperson Julie Kozack Discusses Global Economic Outlook
On Thursday, during a regular press briefing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) spokesperson, Julie Kozack, highlighted an uneven global inflation outlook. According to Kozack, the world’s inflation perspective is uneven due to U.S. and other countries raising tariffs, which have absorbed much of the impact so far. Meanwhile, demand remains suppressed in major export countries like China.
Global Economic Resilience Amidst Tariff Uncertainty
Kozack noted that the global economy has shown resilience amidst uncertainty caused by tariffs, as both the IMF and the World Bank prepare for their annual meetings in Washington this month.
Mixed Signals on Global Growth and Inflation
“We have observed stable global growth during the first half of the year, but now we are starting to see signs of global slowdown,” Kozack explained. “Regarding inflation, our global perspective is somewhat mixed.”
Divergent Inflation Trends Across Regions
Kozack pointed out that while some tariffs have contributed to pushing up underlying inflation in the U.S., general inflation is rising more rapidly in countries like Britain, Australia, and India. However, inflationary pressures are described as “very moderate” in China and other Asian countries, reflecting the impact of tariffs on demand for their exports.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern raised by the IMF? The IMF has expressed concerns about an uneven global inflation outlook, with tariffs absorbed more by the U.S. and other countries while demand remains suppressed in major export nations like China.
- How has the global economy performed so far? The IMF reports stable growth during the first half of the year, but now signs of a global slowdown are emerging.
- What are the inflation trends across different regions? In the U.S., tariffs have contributed to rising underlying inflation, while general inflation is increasing more rapidly in countries like Britain, Australia, and India. Meanwhile, inflationary pressures are described as moderate in China and other Asian countries.
