Winter Forecast of the Austrian Economy 2024–2026

Structural problems slow economic recovery

In 2024, Austrian GDP is expected to have fallen by 0.9 %. The recession in industry and construction has continued.

With consumer sentiment looking more positive, lower interest rates and an improvement in the international environment, GDP is expected to grow by 0.7 % and 1.3 % in 2025 and 2026, respectively. CPI inflation is expected to amount to 2.6 % and 2.1 %, respectively, in the next two years, down from 2.9 % in the current year. The unemployment rate is expected to rise from 7.0 % in 2024 to 7.4 % in 2025 and, thereafter, fall to 7.1 % in 2026. These forecasts are subject to severe economic policy uncertainties, and the forecast risks are clearly on the downside. Moreover, the necessary budget consolidation is likely to dampen growth.

IHS Economic Forecast