Chile’s gross domestic product (GDP) moved into negative territory in the first quarter of 2026, declining 0.5% year-over-year, according to data updated on 18 May 2026. The contraction marks a sharp reversal from the 1.6% annual growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The figures are based on year-over-year comparisons, measuring the change in output in the first quarter of 2026 against the same period a year earlier, while the previous reading compared the fourth quarter of 2025 to the fourth quarter of 2024. The shift from positive to negative growth underscores a clear loss of economic momentum at the start of 2026, signaling a more challenging environment for Chilean policymakers and investors.
