IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that global economic growth remains at approximately 3% annually, largely driven by investments in artificial intelligence. Asian nations specializing in AI hardware production are seeing the most significant gains, with growth projections increasing by 0.2 to 1 percentage point.
Data from the IMF indicates that top AI hardware exporters, including Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, exceeded first-quarter growth forecasts by an average of 4.4%. South Korea specifically recorded a 7.5% growth rate, significantly surpassing the 1.8% projection made in April.
The IMF warns that AI will eventually impact 40% of global jobs, with exposure reaching 60% in advanced economies. Young professionals entering the workforce are particularly vulnerable as AI automates routine entry-level tasks. Officials noted that declining demand for graduate-level roles is already visible.
The expansion of AI infrastructure is contributing to inflationary pressures. Furthermore, the IMF highlighted risks regarding public finances, as a shift in income from labor to capital owners could erode tax bases. The World Bank is currently supporting smaller AI tools tailored for emerging markets.
