Consumer prices
Globally increased inflation expected – Germany has an advantage
The economy in Western Europe is growing chronically weaker than in the USA. However, at least the inflation outlook currently appears to be more favorable than in North America.
According to an international survey of economists, consumers, companies and governments will have to prepare for further increased inflation rates almost worldwide in the coming years. For this year, the almost 1,400 experts surveyed by the Munich Ifo Institute and the Institute for Swiss Economic Policy expect global inflation to reach 3.9 percent. In the next two years, the global inflation rate could only fall slightly to 3.5 percent.
Only moderate inflation expected in Europe
However, inflation is expected to be significantly lower in Western Europe and German-speaking countries: According to the survey, 2.4 percent inflation is expected for Germany this year, 2.5 percent in Austria and 1.2 percent in Switzerland. 1,398 economists and other business experts from 125 countries took part in the survey in December.
North America more severely affected
Inflation expectations have increased, especially for North America. For 2025, the experts surveyed by the two institutes expect an inflation rate of 2.6 percent, which could rise to 2.9 percent by 2028. The two institutes did not address the causes in their press release, but many economists assume that the higher import tariffs threatened by future US President Donald Trump will contribute to higher inflation in the United States.
South America and Africa at the top
However, according to the survey, particularly high inflation rates can be expected in South America and Africa, especially in the North African countries (37.2 percent this year) and East Africa (27.6).
dpa
Source: Stern
