Commons Briefing paper by Daniel Harari. It was first published on Friday, 27 March 2015. It was last updated on Friday, 21 August 2026.

GDP international comparisons: Economic indicators

Economic indicators are quick-read summaries of the latest data focusing on different aspects of the UK economy. The full suite of indicators can be found on the main Economic Indicators page.

Latest GDP data

In Q2 2026, both France and Germany’s GDP grew by 0.2% compared with the previous quarter (Q1 2026). Eurozone GDP was up by 0.4%, partly due to strong GDP growth in Ireland (GDP growth in Ireland is erratic due to large foreign companies being based there). US GDP growth was 0.4%. UK GDP data for Q2 2026 will be released on 13 August.

Table showing latest GDP data for the major G7 economies, as described in the article text

Source: OECD data explorer, Quarterly real GDP growth of G7

GDP growth in recent years

UK GDP in Q1 2026 was 5.8% above its pre-pandemic level of Q4 2019. This compares with Eurozone GDP being 6.7% higher, with GDP in Germany up by 1.5% (the lowest in the G7). The US has the highest GDP growth among G7 economies since just before the pandemic, totalling 15.2% from Q4 2019 to Q1 2026.

Chart showing G7 GDP growth since the pandemic, as described in the article text

Source: Calculations based on OECD data explorer, Quarterly GDP level of G7 and Eurozone

IMF and OECD forecasts

On 8 July 2026, the IMF published new forecasts for the world economy. The IMF said that global economic activity was being shaped by two major factors: the conflict in the Middle East – including the risk of reescalation – and an ongoing positive technological shock from advances in artifical intelligence (AI) tools. The IMF forecast UK GDP growth of 1.0% in 2026 and 1.3% in 2027.

IMF forecasts for GDP growth in 2026 for G7 countries. The UK's forecast of 1.0% growth is similar to the Eurozone average of 0.9% but lower than the US (2.3%)

Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook, Jul 2026

On 3 June 2026, the OECD published new forecasts for the world economy. The OECD noted the conlict in the Middle East is raising inflationary pressures and is projected to have adverse impacts on growth. The OECD forecast UK GDP growth of 0.9% in 2026 and 1.1% in 2027. Higher UK inflation is expected to peak in the second half of 2026.

OECD G7 GDP growth forecasts for 2026 - the US is highest at 2.0%, Italy lowest at 0.5%. The UK is third highest at 0.9%.