Economy contracts 19.4% in the second quarter of 2020

The Chief Statistician has released statistics showing that the economy contracted by 19.4% during the second quarter of 2020, covering the period April to June.

Change in gross domestic product (GDP) is the main indicator of economic growth. Over the year, compared to the second quarter of 2019, the economy has contracted by 21.1%.

During the second quarter output in the Construction sector contracted by 41.5%, output in Production contracted by 15.7%, and output in the Services sector contracted by 18.7%.

The second estimate of GDP for the second quarter of 2020 will be available in Quarterly National Accounts Scotland, published on 28 October 2020. The first estimate of GDP for the third quarter of 2020 will be published on 20 December 2020.

Background

The full statistical publication and data are available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/first-estimate-of-gdp-2020-q2/

All results are seasonally adjusted and presented in real terms (adjusted to remove inflation). GDP growth in this publication relates to Scotland’s onshore economy, which means it does not include the output of offshore oil and gas extraction.

Further information on GDP statistics is available at: http://www.gov.scot/gdp

These estimates are compiled in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics – more information on the standards of official statistics can be accessed at: https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/code-of-practice/