The National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (STATEC) published its first estimate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2026. Unusually, GDP growth in volume terms was 0.0% compared to the previous quarter. However, when compared to the first quarter of 2025, it rose by 1.6%.
STATEC presents GDP data using both the production and expenditure approaches. Under the production approach, the first quarter of 2026 saw the economy's total value added decline by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter. In its report, STATEC notes that the largest negative contributions came from manufacturing and financial and insurance activities. By contrast, transportation and warehousing, public administration, education, and construction all contributed positively to economic activity.
The expenditure approach paints a similarly mixed picture. Investment (gross fixed capital formation) and general government final consumption expenditure both made positive contributions to GDP growth. The increase in investment was driven primarily by higher spending on non-residential construction projects and the acquisition of metal products and machinery.
Household final consumption expenditure and the external balance, however, declined compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. Households spent significantly less on healthcare and restaurant services and reduced spending on car-related purchases, including vehicles as well as maintenance and repair services. Exports of both goods and services fell more sharply than imports.
For more details, visit STATEC's website.
