PARIS / RankWire.AI / – The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development indicated a modest uptick in economic activity across its member nations during the second quarter of 2026, with most countries showing expansion. The organization’s data reveals that gross domestic product increased by 0.5% compared to the previous quarter, a slight rise from the 0.4% growth observed in the first three months. Out of the 30 nations with available data, 27 experienced growth, while three saw no change in their quarterly output.
Ireland experienced the strongest quarterly rise, with GDP climbing 3.9%. Israel followed closely with a 3.6% increase, both well above the OECD average. Meanwhile, Austria, Belgium, and Chile reported no change in economic output during this period. On an annual basis, the OECD’s overall GDP grew by 2.3%, up from a 1.7% increase in the first quarter.
The G7 economies showed a different trend. Combined G7 GDP grew by 0.3% during the same quarter, a decrease from the 0.4% recorded previously. Germany and Italy each expanded by 0.2%, Japan grew 0.3%, while the United Kingdom and United States posted quarterly growth of 0.4%. Canada experienced a stronger increase of 0.8%, and France regained positive momentum with a 0.2% expansion.
Mixed outcomes in G7 economies during Q2
Several leading economies faced slower growth due to shifts in domestic demand and trade components. Japan’s private consumption remained flat, with declines seen in inventories and investment. In the United Kingdom, diminished private and government consumption contributed to the subdued growth pace. Similarly, the United States saw weaker export figures, reductions in inventories, and decreased government consumption, resulting in slower overall G7 growth.
Among G7 nations, Canada achieved the largest quarterly increase, jumping from zero growth in Q1 to 0.8%. France also showed improvement after a 0.1% contraction in the first quarter, with a 0.2% rise in the second quarter. These figures contrast with Ireland and Israel’s faster growth rates, while Austria, Belgium, and Chile experienced no change from the previous three months.
OECD’s annual growth rate reaches 2.3%
Looking at the yearly figures, the pace of economic expansion accelerated across the wider group of OECD members. The organization noted that OECD GDP was 2.3% higher than its level in the second quarter of 2025, compared to a 1.7% increase in the first quarter. The United States led the G7 with a 2.1% year-on-year growth, while Japan recorded the lowest annual increase at 0.5%.
The OECD clarified that its second-quarter estimates are provisional, derived from countries with available GDP data. Its August 24 report included data from 30 member nations, providing both quarterly and annual comparisons. The next update on quarterly GDP growth is scheduled for November 19, 2026. Despite softer performance among the G7, the broader OECD region shows signs of slightly stronger growth overall.