According to preliminary estimates, the Czech Republic’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2026, down from a 0.7% expansion in the previous quarter and below market expectations of 0.5%. This was the slowest quarterly growth since Q1 2024 and was largely weighed down by a weaker foreign trade balance. In contrast, gross capital formation provided a key positive contribution to growth.
On an annual basis, GDP rose by 2.1% in Q1 2026, easing from a 2.7% increase in the previous quarter. The year-on-year expansion was driven mainly by higher household consumption—especially final consumption expenditure—and by an increase in gross fixed capital formation. In terms of value added, the strongest gains came from trade, transportation, accommodation, catering, and industrial activities.
