BRATISLAVA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.8 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, with growth slowing down again and dropping to its lowest point for the past year, Slovak Statistics Office reported on Friday, adding that the growth rate has remained below 1 percent for six quarters in a row.
GDP volume in current prices reached almost 36 billion euros (41.8 billion U.S. dollars). Seasonally adjusted, GDP was 0.2 percent higher than that in the first quarter of 2026.
Gross value added increased in eight of the 10 monitored sectors. The sector comprising trade, transport, accommodation and food services, which accounted for 21.8 percent of total value added, grew 2.3 percent. Industry, traditionally the main driver of growth, ranked second by volume, accounting for 17.5 percent of GDP but posting only marginal growth of 0.3 percent. Conversely, Agriculture, as well as arts, entertainment and recreation, recorded declines.
Both exports and imports of goods and services rebounded following declines at the beginning of the year. Exports rose 3 percent year-on-year, while imports increased 3.7 percent. The foreign trade balance in current prices recorded a surplus of more than 500 million euros (581.1 million dollars), the highest positive value since the first quarter of 2024.
In total for the first half of 2026, GDP in fixed prices grew by 0.8 percent as well. Gross value added in fixed prices posted a slight year-on-year growth of 0.5 percent. ■