By Brayan Juma — Chief Editor, GCHAM News
Economic Landscape in 2026
Europe and South America have sealed a significant trade pact, marking a new era in geoeconomics. The EU-Mercosur agreement, first initiated in 1999, has finally come to fruition, signaling a major development in global trade. Meanwhile, the US job market has entered a slowdown phase, with 2025 witnessing a decline in job creation and an increase in layoffs.
EU-Mercosur Trade Pact
The EU-Mercosur trade pact is a substantial deal that aims to reduce tariffs and increase trade between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries. This agreement has the potential to boost economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and industries on both sides.
The EU-Mercosur trade pact is a significant step forward in promoting free trade and economic cooperation between Europe and South America.
According to Reuters, the agreement is expected to increase trade between the EU and Mercosur by up to 20% in the next five years. This will have a positive impact on the economies of both regions, creating new jobs and stimulating economic growth.
US Job Market Slowdown
The US job market has experienced a slowdown in recent months, with a decline in job creation and an increase in layoffs. This has been attributed to various factors, including uncertainty over President Trump’s tariff policies and a decrease in consumer spending.
The US job market slowdown is a cause for concern, as it may have a ripple effect on the overall economy.
According to Bloomberg, the US economy added only 100,000 new jobs in December 2025, which is a significant decrease from the average monthly job creation of 200,000 in 2024. This slowdown in job growth has raised concerns about the overall health of the US economy.
Future Predictions
Looking ahead to 2026, economists predict that the global economy will continue to experience significant shifts. The EU-Mercosur trade pact is expected to have a positive impact on trade and economic growth, while the US job market slowdown may continue to be a cause for concern.
The global economy is expected to experience significant shifts in 2026, with the EU-Mercosur trade pact and US job market slowdown being key factors to watch.

In conclusion, the economic landscape in 2026 is expected to be shaped by the EU-Mercosur trade pact and the US job market slowdown. As the global economy continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the EU-Mercosur trade pact, and how will it affect the global economy?
- A: The EU-Mercosur trade pact is a significant agreement that aims to reduce tariffs and increase trade between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries. It is expected to boost economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and industries on both sides.
- Q: What are the causes of the US job market slowdown, and how will it affect the overall economy?
- A: The US job market slowdown has been attributed to various factors, including uncertainty over President Trump’s tariff policies and a decrease in consumer spending. It may have a ripple effect on the overall economy, leading to a decrease in economic growth and an increase in unemployment.
- Q: What are the predictions for the global economy in 2026, and how will the EU-Mercosur trade pact and US job market slowdown impact it?
- A: Economists predict that the global economy will continue to experience significant shifts in 2026. The EU-Mercosur trade pact is expected to have a positive impact on trade and economic growth, while the US job market slowdown may continue to be a cause for concern.
- Q: How can I stay informed about the latest economic developments and trends?
- A: You can stay informed about the latest economic developments and trends by following reputable news sources such as Reuters and Bloomberg.
- Q: What are the potential risks and challenges associated with the EU-Mercosur trade pact and US job market slowdown?
- A: The potential risks and challenges associated with the EU-Mercosur trade pact and US job market slowdown include increased competition, job losses, and economic instability. It is essential to stay informed and adapt to the changing economic landscape to mitigate these risks.
