US Real GDP Increases at an Annual Rate of 2.0% in Q1, BEA Reports in Its “Advance” Estimate

On Thursday, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released its “advance” estimate for Q1 real gross domestic product (GDP), reporting that GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.0%. In 2025Q4, real GDP increased 0.5%.

The change in Q1 GDP primarily reflected increases in investment, exports, consumer spending, and government spending, partly offset by an increase in imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP.

Compared to 2025Q4, the acceleration in real GDP reflected upturns in government spending and exports, and an acceleration in investment, partly offset by a deceleration in consumer spending. Imports increased.

The “second” estimate for Q1 will be released on May 28.