US GDP grew by 1.5 percent in the second quarter, down from 2.1 percent in the first, as inflation and trade deficits pressured the economy, according to Al Jazeera.
Key facts
- US GDP grew 1.5 percent in the second quarter.
- This followed a 2.1 percent increase in the first quarter.
- Inflation and trade deficits were cited as pressures on the economy.
- The figures were reported by Al Jazeera on July 30, 2026.
US economic growth slowed in the second quarter, with gross domestic product expanding by 1.5 percent, according to Al Jazeera. The figure marks a step down from the 2.1 percent increase recorded in the first quarter.
The report attributed the softer pace of growth to pressures from inflation and trade deficits, which have weighed on the broader economy.
The deceleration between the two quarters points to a cooling in the pace of economic activity across the period, based on the figures reported.
While the economy continued to grow overall, the lower second-quarter reading suggests momentum eased compared with the start of the year, according to the data cited by Al Jazeera.
The report frames the slowdown in the context of ongoing challenges from rising prices and an imbalance in trade, both of which have been flagged as factors bearing on economic performance.
Why it matters
GDP growth is a headline measure of the economy's health, and a slowdown can signal weaker momentum for jobs, wages and business activity. With inflation and trade deficits cited as pressures, the figures offer a snapshot of the challenges facing US economic policy.
Frequently asked questions
How much did US GDP grow in the second quarter?
US GDP grew by 1.5 percent in the second quarter, according to Al Jazeera.
How does that compare to the first quarter?
It was a slowdown from the 2.1 percent increase recorded in the first quarter.
What factors were blamed for the slowdown?
Al Jazeera cited inflation and trade deficits as pressures on the economy.