Italy statistics bureau cuts 2026 GDP growth forecast

Italy's economy will grow by 0.7% this year, ​national statistics bureau ISTAT said ‌on Friday, trimming a previous forecast of 0.8% made in December.

In ​its twice-yearly economic outlook, ​ISTAT said gross domestic product (GDP) ⁠in the euro zone's third-largest ​economy would expand by 0.7% ​in 2027.

It estimated an average jobless rate of 5.5% this year, down ​from a 6.1% estimate in ​December, and said the jobless rate would ‌remain ⁠at 5.5% in 2027.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government last month cut its growth outlook to ​0.6% for ​both ⁠this year and 2027, reflecting surging energy prices ​and Middle East tensions, ​from ⁠previous targets of 0.7% and 0.8% respectively.

Italian GDP rose 0.5% ⁠in ​2025, marking a ​third consecutive year of growth below 1%.


-Reuters