Finance

Italy's economy shrank in second quarter, stats agency confirms

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 29, 2025

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· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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Italy's economy shrank in second quarter, stats agency confirms
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ROME (Reuters) -Italy's economy contracted by 0.1% in the second quarter from the previous three months due mainly to negative trade flows, national statistics bureau ISTAT said on Friday, confirming

Italy's economy shrank in second quarter, stats agency confirms

ROME (Reuters) -Italy's economy contracted by 0.1% in the second quarter from the previous three months due mainly to negative trade flows, national statistics bureau ISTAT said on Friday, confirming a previous printout.

On a year-on-year basis, second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) in the euro zone's third largest economy increased by 0.4%, ISTAT said, also confirming the estimate it had made on July 30.

The breakdown of GDP components showed a slight rise in investments, supporting domestic demand, while trade flows gave a negative contribution, possibly reflecting the early impact of a rise in U.S. tariffs and global trade uncertainty.

Industry and agriculture contracted, whereas services were roughly stable, ISTAT said.

The statistics institute confirmed at 0.5% so-called "acquired growth" as of the end of the second quarter

This indicates what the full-year 2025 growth rate would be if there were to be no more quarterly growth over the rest of the year.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government in April halved its 2025 growth forecast to 0.6% from a 1.2% target set in September, amid mounting uncertainty due to changes in U.S. tariff policy.

Italy posted growth of 0.7% in each of the last two years.

(Reporting by Antonella Cinelli, graphic by Stefano Bernabei, editing by Alvise Armellini)

Key Takeaways

  • Italy's GDP shrank by 0.1% in Q2 2025.
  • Year-on-year GDP increased by 0.4%.
  • Negative trade flows impacted economic performance.
  • Investments slightly rose, supporting domestic demand.
  • Prime Minister Meloni revised 2025 growth forecast to 0.6%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the percentage contraction of Italy's economy in Q2?
Italy's economy contracted by 0.1% in the second quarter from the previous three months.
How did Italy's GDP perform year-on-year in Q2?
On a year-on-year basis, second-quarter GDP increased by 0.4%, according to ISTAT.
What sectors contributed negatively to Italy's GDP?
Industry and agriculture contracted, while services remained roughly stable.
What is the acquired growth rate for Italy as of Q2?
ISTAT confirmed an acquired growth rate of 0.5% as of the end of the second quarter.
What growth forecast did the Italian government revise in April?
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government halved its 2025 growth forecast to 0.6% from a previous target of 1.2%.

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