The current global inflation trend has shown a significant spike in recent years, triggered by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions and rising energy prices. Data shows that many countries are experiencing the highest inflation in decades, which is affecting people’s purchasing power and economic stability. One of the main causes of inflation is increasing production costs. Many companies face rising prices for raw materials and labor, which then impacts the prices of goods and services sold. Additionally, the impact of loose monetary policy during the health crisis also contributed to inflation. Central banks around the world, including the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, implemented low interest rates and asset purchase programs to support the economy. This policy creates excess liquidity, but also has the potential to encourage inflation. The impact of global inflation is not only visible in the economic sector, but also in people’s daily lives. Rising prices for food, energy and other consumer goods reduce purchasing power, especially for low-income groups. Rising fuel prices cause transportation costs to rise, which in turn pushes up the prices of other goods. Developing countries experience a more severe impact due to inflation. Many of them are dependent on imports, and when the price of goods rises, they have to pay more, which can lead to a trade balance deficit. In the long term, this can worsen a country’s economic resilience and increase instability. Inflation can also influence investment decisions. When inflation is high, investors tend to look for safer assets, such as gold or property, which can result in decreased investment in other sectors. Companies may also delay expansion or new projects due to economic uncertainty. Central banks face challenges in dealing with inflation. On the one hand, raising interest rates can help curb inflation, but on the other hand it can slow economic growth and trigger a recession. Therefore, monetary policy must be managed carefully so as not to harm economic recovery. Global inflation also affects the labor market. Economic uncertainty may cause companies to hold back hiring or make job cuts. This can create uncertainty in the job market and increase unemployment rates in some countries. In connection with international trade, inflation can affect a country’s competitiveness. If production costs increase, products from that country become more expensive on the global market, potentially reducing exports and increasing imports. As a result, the trade balance could be negatively impacted, potentially reducing economic growth. Fiscal policy is also important in overcoming inflation problems. The government can implement subsidies for basic goods or increase social support for vulnerable groups so they can cope with price spikes. This approach is expected to help improve people’s purchasing power in the short term. In a global context, collaboration between countries is important to overcome inflation. Price volatility in one country can have a domino effect on others, so it is important for countries to share information and best practices in economic policy. Managing high inflation requires a coordinated and multidimensional strategy. In addition, it is important for all stakeholders to be involved in discussions to find sustainable solutions.
