Launch of the OECD Economic Survey of the US

Every two years, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) releases an economic survey which assesses recent economic and policy developments in the United States and provides recommendations to improve overall economic performance based on OECD experience. This year’s publication has a thematic chapter focused on managing fiscal pressures. General government debt increased to 120% of GDP in the United States in 2023, its highest level since World War II, and is expected to continue rising markedly over the coming decades under current policies. Moving to a prudent debt path would make the economy less vulnerable to future economic shocks and ensure that public policy remains able to meet health care and Social Security commitments. How can the United States achieve the necessary multi-year fiscal adjustment? The survey also highlights opportunities to boost economic growth and to increase progress towards achieving climate goals. On June 25 OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann launched the OECD Economic Survey of the United States in Washington D.C. alongside Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers Jared Bernstein. Vice President and Director of Brookings Economic Studies Ben Harris moderated the discussion. Viewers joined the conversation and asked questions of the speakers by emailing [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @BrookingsEcon using the hashtag #OECDEconSurvey.

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