Scotland’s economy grows 0.2% in 2018 Quarter 1

The Scottish economy grew by 0.2% during the first quarter of 2018, according to statistics announced today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

Change in gross domestic product (GDP) is the main indicator of economic growth in Scotland. The latest GDP statistics, covering the period January to March 2018, show that the economy grew by 0.2% in real terms compared to the previous quarter. Over the year compared to the first quarter of 2017, the Scottish economy has grown by 0.8%.

During the first quarter of 2018 output in the Services sector grew by 0.4%, output in Production grew by 0.9% and output in the Construction sector fell by 3.5%.

Scotland’s GDP per person, which is adjusted to account for changes in the size of the population, increased by 0.1% during the first quarter of 2018. 

Background

Starting next quarter, Scotland’s GDP will be published more quickly than ever before, with a first estimate for 2018 Quarter 2 planned for 19 September instead of early October. An information paper explaining this change is available at www.gov.scot/gdp

The full statistical publication and data are available at: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/PubGDP/GDP2018Q1

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 Scottish economic statistics is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy

These estimates are compiled in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About