German economy grew by 0.2% in first quarter, skirting recession

The German economy grew in the first quarter of the year thanks to consumption and investment, escaping a recession after contracting in the last quarter of last year, data showed on Wednesday.

Gross domestic product rose in line with forecasts, by 0.2%, compared with the previous three-month period, preliminary data from the statistics office showed.

Germany had contracted in the final quarter of last year by 0.2%, reigniting recession fears. A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth.


Germany was the only member of the Group of Seven advanced economies that failed to grow for the last two years, and the tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump will deal a major blow - possibly putting it on track for a third year of recession for the first time in post-war German history.