Weaker growth rates ahead as global trade is slowing S&P Global Ratings expects the Austrian economy to expand at significantly lower rates going forward, burdened by the unfavorable external economic outlook in the near term. The new federal government plans to implement tax cuts over the next few years, but coalition partners' different political goals might lead to less predictable outcomes. As a result, there is some lack of visibility regarding the government's budgetary plans. Strong external performance outweighs relatively high, albeit declining, government debt to GDP Austria's external financial position remains a rating strength, despite a decline in current account surpluses. Net government debt is still relatively high, despite its declining trend, but benefits from a favorable debt profile
