ROME (Reuters) – Italy's economy grew by 0.2% in the second quarter compared to the previous three months, national statistics agency ISTAT said on Monday, confirming preliminary estimates.
Year-on-year, second quarter domestic product (GDP) was confirmed at 0.9%.
In January-March, the economy grew by 0.3% quarterly and 0.6% from last year.
Between April and June services supported growth, while both industry and agriculture showed a decrease in output, according to ISTAT.
GDP growth in the second half of the quarter was mainly supported by changes in goods and, to a lesser extent by domestic demand, combined with negative net exports.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the economic data, writing in X that the positive growth figures are the result of “critical choices” made by his government.
ISTAT said “realized” growth at the end of the second quarter was 0.6% – meaning if GDP remains flat until 2024, full-year growth will still be 0.6%.
Most analysts expect a full-year GDP growth rate of between 0.7% and 1%, broadly in line with last year's rate of 0.9% and the government's forecast of 1%.
