The World Bank has revised its forecast for Ukraine’s gross domestic product growth in 2026, lowering it to 2%. This aligns with expectations for 2025, whereas the organization previously anticipated an acceleration of economic growth to 5.2% in 2026. According to updated data, a recovery in GDP dynamics to 5% is only possible in 2027.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for the Slowdown in Economic Growth
The main factors that have influenced the downgrade of the forecast include a reduction in agricultural product exports and an increase in gas imports. In the first half of the current year, export revenues from Ukraine decreased by nearly 5%, particularly due to a decline in supplies to the European Union, which remains the primary trading partner, accounting for about 60% of all foreign shipments of Ukrainian goods.
“Economic growth in Ukraine is likely to slow to 2% in 2025 from 2.9% in 2024, as the prolonged invasion by Russia affects investment and business activity,” the report states.
Areas of Future Growth and Employment
World Bank experts predict that during Ukraine’s reconstruction period, key drivers of economic development will be the logistics, energy, and construction sectors. These industries, according to analysts, will provide the main demand for labor and contribute to GDP growth.
Particular attention in the report is given to the defense industry and related sectors, which, thanks to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and consistently high demand, have the potential to create additional jobs for skilled specialists.