OECD

The OECD has recorded an increase in non-compete clauses, which are now extending to lower-paid roles. This trend is being blamed for harming productivity, despite some countries taking steps to curb such clauses.

The article discusses conflicting economic indicators for Mexico, including rising exports and tourism drops, alongside concerns about competitiveness and regulatory challenges. It highlights the MND Economy Index showing gradual improvement and insights from Guillermo Bernal of Empresas Globales, which represents major foreign-invested companies advocating for reforms to attract investment.

The OECD has reduced its global growth forecast to 1.8% due to the Iran war causing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which could lead to recessions in some countries.

The EU ETS Directive revision is critical for balancing decarbonization with industrial competitiveness as Europe faces rising energy costs and a growing global competitiveness gap. Higher electricity prices in the EU, driven by ETS costs, threaten industries like chemicals, with closures and job losses already reported.

China’s Premier Li Qiang defended the country’s technological advancements as a global opportunity rather than a threat during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Dalian. He dismissed claims that state subsidies drive China’s high-tech industry growth, attributing success to a large domestic market and corporate investments, while citing Huawei and Unitree as examples of innovation.

Ten years after the Brexit referendum, the UK economy is reported to have suffered a 6% decline due to Brexit, per Bank of England data analyzed by the BBC. OECD GDP figures show the UK initially matched other advanced economies post-2016 but has since lagged behind the US and Canada since the early 2020s. FRANCE 24's Clovis Casali interviewed British workers to assess the impact.

Paraguay aims to join the OECD, a group of wealthy economies, with President Santiago Peña seeking rapid membership. The World Bank projects Paraguay's economy to grow 4.2 percent annually through 2028, making it the fastest-growing in South America.

In Colombia, approximately one-third of new companies survive five years, ranking the country fourth from the bottom among OECD nations. Sweden and Ireland lead with survival rates of nearly 90% and over 80%, respectively.

Mexico's companies rarely develop their own technology, with only about one in eight doing so. The country spends less on research and files fewer patents compared to OECD peers, despite being a major manufacturing hub that primarily assembles foreign-invented products.

Swiss voters will decide on a proposal to cap the population at 10 million by 2050, backed by the Swiss People’s Party. The initiative faces opposition from the government, businesses, and experts who warn of economic risks and strained EU ties. The population has grown by 23% since 2002, reaching 9.1 million.

The EIA is warning that global oil inventories are falling toward multi-decade lows. OECD stockpiles are projected to reach their lowest level since 2003 by December, which could drive up oil prices.

Mathias Cormann, the OECD chief, urges governments to avoid a fragmented approach to digital taxation as more countries consider duties on tech giants.

China rejected an OECD report claiming its firms receive higher government subsidies than international peers, calling the findings 'one-sided and arbitrary.' The Ministry of Commerce criticized the report's methodology for lacking a unified standard and deviating from WTO consensus, amid escalating EU concerns over Beijing’s industrial policy.

The OECD warned that prolonged fuel disruptions from the Iran war could trigger a global recession, high inflation, and rising unemployment. It gave Trump and Iran one month to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to prevent economic fallout.

New forecasts show two possible economic paths due to the Iran war: a modest slowdown if the conflict ends soon or a severe global hit if it persists, leading to slower growth and higher inflation. The OECD highlights vulnerabilities in energy markets, AI investments, and supply chains as critical factors shaping these outcomes.

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will meet China’s international trade envoy Li Chenggang in Paris on Thursday during an OECD ministerial meeting to address tensions. The meeting precedes Commerce Minister Wang Wentao’s visit to Brussels on June 28 and 29.

The US and Iran have intensified their conflict, prompting concerns about its global economic impact. The OECD warned of slowing growth in major economies and rising inflation if the conflict continues, while S&P highlighted Africa's vulnerability due to reliance on imported fuels and limited fiscal capacity.

Britain is expected to experience the largest increase in unemployment among G7 nations, according to a warning from the OECD. The organization highlights significant economic challenges for the country.

The OECD has reduced its global growth forecast, citing lasting damage from the Middle East conflict. The U.S.-Iran war is highlighted as a factor stymying economic growth prospects.

The OECD warns that rural UK areas could face diesel shortages if the Iran conflict disrupts energy supplies. The organization also forecasts global recessions if the conflict extends into 2027 and predicts modest UK economic growth of 0.9% for 2024.

The OECD has issued a warning about a potential 'dark scenario' if the Gulf energy crisis persists, predicting significant drops in global growth rates to levels similar to those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The OECD warns that a prolonged Iran conflict could lead to a global economic slump. A billboard in Tehran mentions the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The OECD reports that Chinese firms receive eight times more state support on average compared to companies in wealthy countries, contributing to their market share gains. The analysis highlights the impact of subsidies on Chinese companies' competitive advantage.

Africa's informal economy, which constitutes nearly 90% of sub-Saharan Africa's jobs, is clashing with governments' efforts to expand tax collection. While African countries have low tax-to-GDP ratios, digitization of tax systems and mobile money services like M-Pesa are raising concerns about increased taxation without improved public services, particularly in rural areas.

The OECD warned that the Iran war would lead to price increases and decreased economic activity. This warning was issued in March, making the OECD the first major international institution to do so. The economic outlook is at risk of further deterioration.

The Bank of Japan's policy rate is likely to reach 2% by the end of 2027, according to the OECD. The Bank of Japan left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, increasing the likelihood of a hike in June. This decision pushed the yen higher.

Research suggests that working longer hours is linked to higher obesity rates, with countries like the US and Mexico having longer annual working hours and higher obesity rates. The study compared working patterns and obesity prevalence for 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022. Cutting work time could help with weight management.

The OECD warns that frequent remit adjustments by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand risk policy error. The RBNZ has been making changes to its remit policy, which may lead to errors. This warning comes as the bank navigates economic challenges.

The OECD reported that taxes on UK workers increased to a 32.4% tax wedge in 2025, the fastest rise among 38 rich nations. This comes as the UK Labour Party faces economic pressures, including the Iran war.

The OECD reported a 23% decline in foreign aid from top economies in Europe and Americas in 2025, attributed to Trump-era cuts. This decline occurs despite growing humanitarian needs globally.

The OECD has called on UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reform the tax system to stimulate economic growth. The recommendation highlights the need for structural changes to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

China is drawn into a public debate over subsidies following an OECD report. The report highlights concerns about China's role in subsidy-related discussions.