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Japan Economy Expands 2.1 Percent in First Quarter

Japan's GDP grew faster than expected in the first quarter of 2026. Private consumption and business spending both rose, while net exports added to growth.

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2 sources·May 18, 11:54 PM(10 days ago)·1m read
Japan Economy Expands 2.1 Percent in First Quarterchannelnewsasia.com
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Japan's economy expanded at a faster-than-expected pace in the first quarter of 2026. 3 percent pace in the previous quarter. 3 percent figure.

1 percent estimate. 3 percent gain recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. 1 percentage point.

1 percent forecast. 9 percent pace. The data indicate that domestic demand remained steady while external demand provided additional support in the opening months of the year.

Key Facts

2.1%
annualized GDP growth in Q1 2026
0.5%
quarter-on-quarter GDP growth in Q1 2026
3.4%
year-on-year GDP deflator increase

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced2
Confidence score59%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count75 words
PublishedMay 18, 2026, 11:54 PM

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