The federal government believes the global economy is headed for another downturn, and Australia may not be immune.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers spoke on Tuesday morning ahead of his trip to Washington for high-level meetings.

He’ll speak with the bosses of the Federal Reserve, World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

“The world is bracing for the third downturn in the course of the last decade and a half,” he said earlier.

Liam Bartlett told 6PR Mornings listeners that he was surprised by the Treasurer’s comments.

“I thought it was the role of the Treasurer to be positive and talk things up,” he said.

“Soften us up for the budget that comes up in two weeks’ time, or is he just being refreshingly honest.”

Tap PLAY to Bartlett’s comments and Jim Chalmers speaking to the media.