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US government shutdown impacts global economy.
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which occurred in 2025, left deep scars on the global economy. The political impasse in Congress resulted in a shutdown that lasted more than three weeks, affecting essential services, millions of workers, and generating billions of dollars in losses.
Economic and social impacts
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to fall by at least one percentage point in the fourth quarter of 2025. The monthly jobs report for October was not released, and the publication of key inflation indicators was delayed, generating uncertainty in the markets.
It is estimated that around 800,000 public employees were directly affected, with delayed salaries and suspended services. The impact extended to government contracts, infrastructure projects, and social programs, affecting millions of citizens.
Disruption in global supply chains
The shutdown also had international repercussions. Foreign trade, visas, food inspections, and border control were disrupted, affecting exporters and importers from various countries. Multinational companies reported delays in regulatory processes and difficulties operating in the U.S.
Experts point out that the episode exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and raised concerns about the dependence on US political decisions for the functioning of the world economy.
Who pays the bill?
Despite the end of the strike, the discussion about who will bear the billion-dollar costs is still ongoing. The government announced a compensation package for employees, but the fiscal impact and consequences for the public budget are expected to be felt in the coming years.
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