Germany economy grows 0.3% in first quarter of 2026
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Apr 30
Germany economy grows 0.3% in first quarter of 2026
12 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Apr 30
Federal Statistics Office data showed annual GDP growth of 0.5% price-adjusted, beating expectations as private and government spending and exports rose.
The expansion came despite higher energy costs after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz during the US-Israeli war, squeezing consumers and businesses and weighing on consumption and investment.
Business sentiment fell sharply in April and forecasts have been cut, while Volkswagen reported a 28.4% first-quarter profit drop and warned tariffs were adding about €4 billion in annual costs.
As the US-Iran war devastates its economy, can Germany's government survive its alliance with President Trump?
Will Volkswagen's pivot to making missile defense parts for Israel's Iron Dome redefine Germany's industrial future?
A court blocked a minister's 'extremist' label. Is this a turning point in Germany's escalating culture war over free speech?