BarcelonaThe Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the OECD as a whole, which brings together the most industrialized countries in the world, grew 0.4% during the second quarter, which is a significant rise after 0.2% in the first quarter, and is mainly explained by the improvement of the U.S. figures, although other countries, such as Spain, are also contributed to the entity published this Wednesday.
According to the body, the United States was the country that contributed the most to the growth of the whole between April and June, with an increase in GDP of 0.7%. After a decrease of 0.1% between January and March, the improvement is largely explained by the sharp decrease in imports of goods in the USA (-10.3%), which had increased by 11% as a way to anticipate possible increases in tariffs against Donald Trump’s policy.
Beyond the United States, between April and June there were improvements in growth in other member countries, albeit less pronounced. Spain, with a growth of 0.7% in the second quarter, one tenth more than in the first, is one of the great economies of the OECD with the highest rate of growth.
Upward tendency
Of the 23 countries with available data, 13 highest growth rates compared to the first quarter of 2025. Ireland was the country that recorded the steepest slowdown, with a GDP that contracted by 1% in the second quarter, after a significant expansion of 7.4% in the first, largely driven by the increase in exports in the USA.
At the same time, GDP growth stopped in Canada, after an expansion of 0.5% in the first quarter, while in the United Kingdom GDP slowed from 0.7% to 0.3%, mainly due to a contraction of 1.1% of investments in the second quarter, after a growth of 2.0% in the first quarter.
GDP growth became negative in Germany and Italy: 0.3% of the first quarter in both countries, in the second quarter it fell to -0.3% and -0.1%, respectively. The contraction of German GDP in the second quarter was mainly driven by a fall in exports (-0.6%, after having reached 3% in the first quarter).
Key Economic Indicators: Q2 2025 Performance
To provide a clearer picture of the economic landscape, let’s examine key GDP growth figures from the second quarter of 2025. The table below summarizes the data discussed, highlighting the key movers and shakers within the OECD.
| Country | Q1 2025 GDP Growth (%) | Q2 2025 GDP Growth (%) | Key Driver |
|—————-|———————–|———————–|——————————————————————————–|
| OECD (Aggregate)| 0.2 | 0.4 | Improvement in US figures |
| United States | -0.1 | 0.7 | Sharp decrease in imports (-10.3%) |
| Spain | 0.6 | 0.7 | Sustained growth |
| ireland | 7.4 | -1.0 | Contraction due to reduced exports |
| Canada | 0.5 | 0.0 | Stagnation in growth |
| United Kingdom | 0.7 | 0.3 | Contraction in investments (-1.1%) |
| Germany | 0.3 | -0.3 | Fall in exports (-0.6%) |
| Italy | 0.3 | -0.1 | Economic contraction |
Note: All figures represent percentage change in GDP.
FAQ: Frequently Asked questions About Q2 2025 Economic Performance
this FAQ section aims to address common queries regarding the economic data presented, offering concise and clear answers to enhance reader understanding and improve search visibility.
Q: What does GDP stand for, and why is it important?
A: GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product. It represents the total value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders during a specific period. It is indeed a crucial indicator of economic health and growth [[1]].
Q: Why did the U.S. see such a significant GDP increase in Q2 2025?
A: the U.S. economic upswing of 0.7% in Q2 was primarily fueled by a sharp decrease in imports. This suggests a shift in consumer behavior or supply chain adjustments, contributing to a positive economic performance.
Q: Which countries experienced the most significant downturns in Q2 2025?
A: ireland saw the most significant downturn, with a contraction of 1% in Q2 after a considerable expansion in Q1 due to reduced exports.Germany and Italy also experienced negative growth in Q2.
Q: What’s the overall trend for the OECD in terms of economic growth?
A: The OECD as a whole showed an upward trend, with growth increasing from 0.2% in Q1 to 0.4% in Q2, reflecting a modest but positive direction for the global economy.
Q: What factors can affect a country’s GDP?
A: numerous factors influence a country’s GDP, including consumer spending, government investment, exports, imports, and overall economic policies. Changes in these areas considerably impact economic growth rates.
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