The Austrian economy grew by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026, posting a modest rebound after stagnating in the previous quarter, according to preliminary estimates. Domestic demand underpinned the upturn. Household consumption, including non-profit institutions serving households, rose by 0.8%, accelerating from 0.2% in Q4 2025, while government spending returned to growth, increasing by 0.4% after a 0.4% decline. Gross fixed capital formation also strengthened, expanding by 1.0% following a 2.1% contraction in the prior quarter.
In contrast, net trade continued to drag on GDP. Exports were broadly unchanged, edging up 0.1% after a 0.1% decline, while imports rose by 0.9%, reversing a 0.7% drop in Q4 2025.
On the production side, output increased in mining, manufacturing, energy and water supply, and waste management, which together grew by 0.4% after a 1.4% decrease. Activity also rose in information and communication, financial and insurance services, real estate and housing, and public administration, each up 0.2% compared with 0.7% and 0.8% respectively in the previous quarter. Construction was the main sector in decline, contracting by 0.5% after a 0.8% fall.
Year-on-year, GDP expanded by 0.6% in Q1 2026, slightly below the 0.7% growth recorded in the preceding quarter.
