Central Europe's export-driven economies face risks from slowing global trade and potential US tariffs, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said according to Reuters, urging EU-wide reforms to boost resilience. Exports account for up to 92 per cent of GDP in Slovakia and 69 per cent in the Czech Republic, Eurostat data shows. The region could suffer if US President Donald Trump imposes 25 per cent tariffs on EU imports, though Poland is seen as less exposed, S&P Global said according to Reuters. IMF official Geoff Gottlieb noted global trade growth has slowed from 6 per cent (2000-2019) to 3 per cent (2022-2024), challenging Central Europe's trade-dependent model. He called for reforms to boost productivity and eliminate EU trade barriers, including poor border infrastructure and procurement rules. A deeper EU single market would support growth and reduce costs for exporters, the IMF said. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: M. S. Salama
