Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) area rose slightly to 0.5% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 0.4% in the previous quarter, based on provisional estimates released on 24 August 2026, according to a press release by the OECD. The results reflect a mixed picture across the 30 OECD countries for which data were available. Of these, 27 countries recorded growth at varying rates, while 3 saw no change in GDP. Year-on-year GDP growth in the OECD area increased to 2.3% in Q2 2026, up from 1.7% in Q1. The figures point to a modest but broadening quarterly acceleration across the OECD area.
The provisional estimates cover the 30 OECD countries for which data were available for the second quarter of 2026. The release presents both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year measures of economic activity. It also compares performance across the G7 economies and other OECD members. The methodology follows the OECD Quarterly National Accounts framework. The next release is scheduled for 19 November 2026.
GDP growth in the G7 slowed to 0.3% in Q2 2026, down from 0.4% in Q1, reflecting slower growth in five G7 countries. Germany decelerated from 0.4% to 0.2%, Italy from 0.3% to 0.2%, and Japan from 0.5% to 0.3%. The United Kingdom slowed from 0.6% to 0.4%, and the United States from 0.5% to 0.4%. By contrast, growth in Canada accelerated from zero in Q1 to 0.8% in Q2. In France, GDP returned to growth at 0.2% in Q2, following a contraction of 0.1% in Q1.
According to the OECD, in Japan, the slowdown mainly reflected “stagnant private consumption, destocking and a decline in investment.” In the United Kingdom, weaker private consumption and a decline in government consumption weighed on economic activity. In the United States, slower growth mainly reflected weaker export growth, destocking and a decrease in government consumption. Among other OECD countries with available data, Ireland recorded the highest quarter-on-quarter GDP growth in Q2, at 3.9%, followed by Israel at 3.6%. At the other end of the spectrum, GDP was unchanged in Austria, Belgium and Chile.
On an annual basis, the United States recorded the highest GDP growth among G7 economies, at 2.1%, while Japan recorded the lowest, at 0.5%. The provisional estimates confirm a slight quarterly pickup in the OECD area alongside a G7 slowdown. Divergent national trajectories continue to shape the overall picture. Further details, including data tables, are available in the OECD release. The next update will be published on 19 November 2026.