Highest, Lowest Expected Inflation Rates Worldwide in 2026

The global inflation landscape is expected to remain sharply uneven in 2026, with some economies continuing to grapple with severe price instability while others enjoy near-flat inflation rates, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook published in April 2026.

The IMF projections reveal a striking gap between countries battling persistent inflationary pressures and those benefiting from relative price stability, underscoring the divergent economic challenges facing policymakers around the world.

Venezuela is expected to record the world's highest inflation rate in 2026, with consumer prices projected to surge by 387.4%, highlighting the continued impact of economic imbalances, currency weakness, and structural challenges.

Sudan is forecast to post the second-highest inflation rate at 75.1%, followed by Iran at 68.9%.

Argentina, which has spent years combating chronic inflation, is projected to register a rate of 30.4%, while Türkiye is expected to see inflation reach 28.6%.

The elevated figures reflect ongoing monetary pressures, fiscal imbalances, and currency volatility across several emerging and frontier markets.

Source: CNN

At the opposite end of the spectrum, a number of countries are expected to maintain exceptionally low inflation levels in 2026.

Costa Rica is forecast to experience a slight deflation rate of -0.4%, making it the lowest-ranked country in the IMF's projections.

Niger is expected to record inflation of just 0.4%, while Chad, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are each projected to post inflation rates of 0.5%.

Such low readings typically indicate strong price stability, although in some cases they may also reflect subdued consumer demand and slower economic activity.

The wide disparity in inflation forecasts highlights the increasingly fragmented nature of the global economy, as countries face varying combinations of monetary, fiscal, and geopolitical challenges.

The IMF’s forecasts underscore that, despite a broader moderation in global inflation compared with the post-pandemic surge, price stability remains an uneven achievement across regions.