Flat economic growth in the second quarter
Romania’s economy flatlined in the second quarter or the year.
Leyla Cheamil, 12.10.2026, 14:00
Romania’s economic growth stalled in the second quarter of this year, while the GDP contracted by 0.6% in the first half compared with the same period last year, according to figures released by the National Institute of Statistics. The seasonally adjusted GDP for the second quarter of 2026 was estimated at 529.676 billion lei at current prices. The GDP was unchanged from the previous quarter but fell by 1.9% compared with the second quarter of last year. The GDP growth rate was revised upwards by 0.2 percentage points from the provisional estimate, while the growth rate for gross value added was revised up by 0.3 percentage points.
The more substantial revisions to gross value added by sector were as follows: agriculture, forestry and fishing made the same contribution to GDP growth, while the volume of activity was higher in industry, construction, and wholesale and retail trade. Activity was also higher in the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, as well as in transport and storage.
The National Institute of Statistics noted that the information and communication sector’s contribution to the change in the GDP remained unchanged, while its growth rate was revised upwards by 0.3 percentage points from the previous estimate. According to the institute’s provisional figures, the main drag on the economy was a fall in household consumption, suggesting that Romanians bought less as high prices squeezed spending. Analysts believe the economy could be entering a period of stagnation. Ideally, they say, economic growth should go hand in hand with a reduction in the budget deficit, which they see as Romania’s top priority over the coming years.
Despite the upward revision of some figures, a return to robust economic growth remains uncertain. Analysts argue that construction projects financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and EU cohesion funds have kept the GDP afloat for two consecutive years. But a country cannot achieve sustainable development if its industry loses a quarter of its value in seven years. Every factory closure means lost exports, a wider trade deficit and fewer well-paid jobs in regions where alternatives are already scarce, they warn. The autumn forecasts from the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission, due in October and November respectively, will show whether expectations of an economic recovery in 2027 still hold. (MI)
