The war in Iran is slowing the growth expectations of 60% of international companies

 

Before the outbreak of the war in Iran On February 28, 2026, 59,6% of global companies maintained solid growth expectations. This conflict has radically transformed the landscape of the international Business, displacing diversification strategies due to a growing concern for energy.

 

A scenario of optimism cut short by instability

 

Nearly two out of three companies (59,6%) faced the year with positive prospects, while barely 2% anticipated an economic downturn before hostilities in Iran This will alter the global landscape. According to the report prepared by the consulting firm Gedeth NetworkRegarding the impact of tariffs and the war, confidence was especially high in North Americawhere 66% of the entities expected a favorable evolution of their financial indicators.

 

The study, which includes the participation of more than 50.000 companies from 90 countries, reflects that international instability It was already perceived as the main threat by 52% of executives, even before energy prices and war uncertainty took center stage.

 

Sales, employment and strategic sectors

 

In the commercial sphere, two-thirds of companies anticipated an increase in sales, highlighting optimism in Eastern Asia and the Pacificwith 65% expecting moderate growth. Regarding the labor market, caution was the prevailing sentiment: 59% planned to maintain their current staffing levels, while 29% planned new hires.

 

By sectors, the technology It was positioned as the biggest beneficiary with 64% support, followed by the Energy (35,5%) and health (32,9%). In contrast, the manufacturing industry only enjoyed the optimism of 10,7% of respondents, conditioned by tariff policies aimed at local reindustrialization.

 

 

Pre-War Indicator (2026)	Percentage / Data
Companies with growth expectations	59,6%
Companies that anticipated a worsening	2%
Growth expectation in North America	66%
Forecast of increased sales (Global)	67% (approx. two-thirds)
Maintaining stable employment	59%
International instability as a threat	52%
Duty as a key concern	41%

 

Internationalization strategies and Artificial Intelligence

 

The corporations' roadmap for 2026 focused on the diversification of international markets (29%) and innovation. Companies in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) prioritized cost optimization and operational efficiency (24%), a much more pronounced focus than in Pacific Asiawhere it only worried 6%.

 

La Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization They were considered the most prominent opportunity by 60% of respondents, surpassing access to new markets (48%). According to the report Juan MillánCEO Gedeth Network: "Respondents showed high optimism despite the uncertainty generated by tariffs... tariffs would then be a relatively localized and isolable problem.".

 

• Diversification: 29% of companies were betting on new geographic markets.
• AI and Digitization: Perceived as the greatest competitive opportunity by 60%.
• Optimization: A priority for almost a quarter of companies in EMEA.
• Risks: Regulatory concerns (34%) and AI (19,2%) were listed as emerging challenges.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the global economic impact

 

What was the main concern of companies before the war?

La international instability (52%) and the duty (41%) were the biggest threats detected, while energy costs only worried 5,5% before the conflict in Iran.

 

Which regions were the most optimistic about growth?

North America Optimism led the way with 66% of companies expecting to grow, followed closely by Eastern Asia and the Pacific in terms of sales volume.

 

How was Artificial Intelligence perceived in the B2B environment?

AI was considered a double-edged sword: an innovation opportunity for 60% of organizations, but also a source of uncertainty for 19,2% of managers.