I’m revisiting the blog I wrote on the benefits of learning Business English during a recession.

In answer to those of you who question whether learning Business English can allow you to gain a competitive edge in an increasingly volatile world (where recessions are becoming more likely), I believe it can. Indeed, learning Business English during a recession is a smart move, especially when the global economy is so unpredictable.

Tariffs are negatively impacting the global economy (a few might argue that it’s short term pain for long-term gain, but I’m not one of them. It seems scarcely likely that the world economic outlook is more rosy with tariffs than without them). Geopolitical tensions are also slowing growth. These factors make it even more crucial to stay adaptable and skilled. Business English will help you do that.

(I was reading this morning how the US President Trump has been nicknamed TACO by a Financial Times journalist- “Trump always chickens out”. )

Proficiency in Business English helps businesses negotiate terms, understand documentation, and build stronger relationships with international partners, ultimately minimising the impact of trade barriers.

Moreover, there is very little you can do that is as cost effective as learning Business English. The ability to speak Business English (as opposed to everyday English) will enable you to negotiate more effectively, that is getting a win-win outcome for all, understand different cultures better, speak the language of the business you are in, making networking even better at any type of event, even making it more likely you’ll be asked to speak at conferences and thereby amplify your brand, and to write more effectively.

Some forecasts

According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook, the level of uncertainty in the world economy is at an unprecedented level – seven times higher than it was during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, any forecasts the IMF has made could decline further than it predicts. The “reference” data it uses is immediately after the US imposed worldwide tariffs on all countries with which it trades (including some it does not) based on a formula that only the US president, and his advisers, can understand. (The data does not consider the altering policy stance since then). Now, most countries sit with tariffs at 10 per cent for 90 days, higher in some cases, such as China at about 40 per cent, and Vietnam at 46 percent.

According to the OECD’s projections, the world economy will “soften” this year and next. “Business and consumer sentiment have weakened in some countries. Inflationary pressures continue to linger in many economies, policy uncertainty has been high and significant risks remain”, according to the OECD Economic Outlook, Interim Report March 2025 entitled “Steering with Uncertainty”.

The economic slowdown means that the outlook for several economies, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan. Russia and Spain the outlook is grim. Some of the biggest declines will be seen in North America. The US economy could see a decline of 1.2 percent from 2024 (when GDP stood at 2.8 percent in 2024) to 2026, when it is estimated to be 1.6 percent. Canada will also see a decline in GDP from 1.5 percent growth to two years of decline with only 0.7 percent in growth this year and in 2026. Mexico will move from 1.5 percent growth in 2024 to projected negative growth of -1.3 percent this year and -0.6 percent in 2026. Russia and Brazil are predicted to see hefty declines in growth but most of the other G20 countries will see slight increases in GDP by 2026.

Other reasons for learning Business English

During a recession you may also wish to become an entrepreneur. Learning Business English online will help you. (www.learnbusinessenglish.net). By taking such as course you will also learn how to start a business. Since it is becoming increasingly expensive to travel overseas and to study in countries abroad (along with an increase in the associated fees) learning online will become more popular. Even taking an online journalism course is likely to become increasingly popular.

Since it’s seems likely that bilateral trade deals will be secured rather than multilateral ones, increasingly Business English will be needed in trade negotiations, along with a sound cultural understanding of the other party.

All this can be found on www. learnbusiness.english.net