PARIS / RankWire.AI / – In the second quarter of 2026, most member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development experienced a slight boost in economic activity, leading to a 0.5% rise in gross domestic product compared to the previous quarter. This marks an increase from the 0.4% growth seen in the first three months. The OECD’s latest data indicates that out of 30 countries with available figures, 27 showed positive growth, while three recorded no change.
Ireland experienced the most significant quarterly increase, with GDP climbing 3.9%. Israel followed closely behind with a 3.6% expansion, both well surpassing the OECD average. Conversely, Austria, Belgium, and Chile reported stagnation in their economic output during the same period. On an annual basis, the OECD’s overall GDP grew by 2.3%, up from 1.7% in the first quarter.
The G7 economies moved in a different direction, with a combined GDP growth of 0.3% for the quarter, slightly lower than the 0.4% recorded previously. Germany and Italy each grew by 0.2%, while Japan saw a 0.3% increase. The United Kingdom and the United States each experienced growth of 0.4%, and Canada outperformed with a 0.8% rise. France also returned to positive growth, expanding by 0.2% after a contraction in the previous quarter.
Mixed Outcomes for G7 Economies in Q2
Several key economies faced slower growth during the quarter due to shifts in domestic demand and trade activities. Japan’s private consumption remained unchanged, with declines noted in inventories and investment. Meanwhile, the UK’s growth was hindered by decreased private and government consumption. The United States experienced weaker export figures, inventory reductions, and lower government spending. These factors contributed to a slowdown in the G7’s overall growth rate.
Canada saw the most notable improvement among G7 nations, jumping from zero growth in Q1 to 0.8% in Q2. France also showed positive signs after contracting 0.1% earlier in the year, with a 0.2% expansion in the second quarter. These results stand out when compared to Ireland and Israel’s rapid growth, whereas Austria, Belgium, and Chile experienced no change over the same period.
OECD Annual Growth Accelerates to 2.3%
Looking at the year-over-year figures, the OECD’s wider group of member countries demonstrated a quicker pace of growth, with GDP increasing by 2.3% relative to Q2 2025. This compares to a 1.7% rise in the first quarter. Within the G7, the United States led with the highest annual growth at 2.1%, while Japan’s growth was the slowest at 0.5%. The OECD noted that these estimates are provisional and based on available GDP data from member nations. The August 24 report covered 30 countries and included both quarterly and yearly comparisons. The next update on quarterly GDP growth is scheduled for November 19, 2026. Despite a softer combined performance among G7 members, the overall OECD figures show slightly stronger growth.