Tariffs, AI Top Global Business Threats: WEF Report Warns of Turbulent Future

• The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2026 identifies rising trade barriers (tariffs) and unintended consequences of AI as the biggest threats to global businesses.
• A survey of over 1,300 leaders reveals a pessimistic near-term outlook, with 50% expecting turbulent conditions and only 1% anticipating a calm global environment.
• Geoeconomic confrontation, defined as using economic tools for geopolitical goals, tops the near-term risk list, threatening global trade and investment.
• Technology-related risks, particularly adverse AI outcomes, are climbing fast, breaking into the top five risks over the next decade due to concerns about labor displacement and governance gaps.
• Environmental risks, though lower in short-term focus, dominate the ten-year horizon, with extreme weather and biodiversity loss being the most severe long-term threats.

Why It Matters: WEF report highlights tariffs, AI, and geoeconomic confrontation as top global business threats amid declining cooperation.