According to Carla Slim, an economist at Standard Chartered Bank focused on the MENA region, the Middle East is relatively shielded from the impact of U.S. tariffs. This is largely due to the region’s minimal direct trade exposure with the U.S.

However, Slim noted that there could be indirect repercussions, particularly in relation to oil prices. As the Middle East continues to pivot towards Eastern markets, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for investors and policymakers alike.

Expectations for accelerated investments into the U.S. from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries also underline the evolving nature of global economic interactions. These shifts may open new avenues for growth and collaboration, despite challenges posed by tariffs.

Economists will closely monitor how these factors influence the overall economic climate in the MENA region and beyond.