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Finance

Croatian economy rises 2.2% year-on-year in the first quarter

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 28, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 28, 2026

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Croatian Economy Expands 2.2% Year-on-Year in Q1 2026 Amid Investment Rise

Q1 2026 Economic Performance Overview

GDP Growth and Contributing Factors

May 28 (Reuters) - Croatia's economy grew 2.2% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to a year earlier, helped by household spending and investment, which offset weak exports and a slowdown in government consumption, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday.

Quarterly GDP Analysis

• The seasonally adjusted quarterly GDP remained unchanged at 0.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2025.

Household Consumption and Investment

• Household consumption in the first quarter rose 2.6% on the year.

• Investments also grew 2.5%.

Government Spending Trends

• Government spending edged up 0.7% year-on-year, sharply slowing from 2.8% in Q4.

Export Performance

• Exports fell 1.6%, with goods exports down 2.3% year-on-year.

GDP Value and Currency Context

GDP in Current Prices

• GDP in current prices stood at €21.176 billion ($24.60 billion) in the first quarter.

Exchange Rate Information

($1 = 0.8608 euros)

(Reporting by Antonis Pothitos; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)

Key Takeaways

  • Croatia achieved its 21st consecutive quarter of growth, though slower than Q4 2025’s 3.9% rate
  • Domestic demand—especially private consumption and investment—remains the growth engine amid weak external performance
  • The slowdown in government spending and falling exports highlight potential pressure points ahead

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Croatia's GDP growth rate in Q1 2026?
Croatia's economy grew by 2.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026.
Which factors contributed to Croatia's economic growth in Q1 2026?
Household spending and investment helped offset weaknesses in exports and slower government consumption.
How did Croatia's exports perform in Q1 2026?
Exports fell 1.6% year-on-year, with goods exports declining by 2.3%.
What was the GDP value of Croatia in Q1 2026?
GDP in current prices stood at €21.176 billion, or $24.60 billion, in the first quarter.
How did household consumption change in Croatia during Q1 2026?
Household consumption rose by 2.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026.

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