News U.N. warns of US$2 trillion losses to virus Trade economists who advise the U.N. warned COVID-19 could cost the world economy up to US$2 trillion in 2020 and push nations into recession. By Arete News - March 9, 2020 Travelers at Atlanta's international airport wear face masks on March 6th, 2020 as the global COVID-19 outbreak spreads in the U.S. (AN/Chad Davis) You need to login to view this content. Please Login. Not a Member? Join Us