Czechia: economy

What is the GDP growth rate of Czechia?

Czech GDP was 1.8% higher in the second quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, and 0.3% higher than in the first quarter, according to the latest estimate from the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO), published on 30 September 2026.

The figures are adjusted for prices, seasonal and working-day effects. The CZSO revises quarterly GDP several times: its earlier resources and uses estimate of 28 August put growth at 1.9% year on year and 0.4% on the quarter, driven by household consumption and investment. A preliminary flash estimate appears 30 days after the quarter ends, so third-quarter figures are due at the end of October.

Official sources: CZSO: Quarterly GDP estimates · CZSO: GDP resources and uses, Q2 2026

What is the inflation rate in Czechia?

Consumer prices in Czechia were 2.5% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, up from 1.9% in August, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Prices were unchanged on the month.

The CZSO says fuel prices drove the rise: fuels and lubricants cost 37.5% more than a year before. Actual rents rose 6.1%. The CZSO also publishes an average inflation rate, the change in the average price level over 12 months, which was 2.0% in September; this is the figure often quoted for pension and wage indexation. The EU-harmonised index (HICP) rose 2.2%.

Official sources: CZSO: Consumer price indices, September 2026

What is the Czech National Bank interest rate?

The Czech National Bank's main policy rate, the 2-week repo rate, is 3.75%, according to the Czech National Bank on 15 October 2026. The discount rate is 2.75% and the Lombard rate 4.75%.

The repo rate is the rate at which the CNB absorbs liquidity from banks for two weeks; it guides interbank and, in turn, mortgage and loan rates. The bank targets inflation of 2%, with a tolerance band of one percentage point either side. The CNB board meets eight times a year to set rates and publishes a new forecast four times a year.

Official sources: Czech National Bank

Does Czechia have a trade surplus?

Czechia had a trade surplus in goods of CZK 83.7 billion from January to August 2026, CZK 42.8 billion smaller than a year earlier, according to the Czech Statistical Office. In August alone there was a deficit of CZK 5.3 billion, with exports of CZK 371.9 billion and imports of CZK 377.2 billion.

The CZSO attributes the weaker August balance mainly to higher imports of crude oil and natural gas and of computers and electronics, and a smaller surplus in motor vehicles. These figures follow the national concept (change of ownership) and are preliminary, in current prices. Czechia runs a surplus with other EU states and a deficit with countries outside the EU.

Official sources: CZSO: International trade in goods, August 2026

How fast is Czechia's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Czechia was 2.6% in 2025. The peak was 6.6% in 2006 and the low -5.3% in 2020. It is 21st highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 2.1%. World rank, highest first: 114th of 180.

How rich is Czechia per person?

In 2025, GDP per person in Czechia was $35,917, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 20th highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $28,420. Worldwide: 30th of 180.

How does Czechia's income per person compare after prices?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Czechia was $60,487 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. Europe & Central Asia median: $50,946 in international dollars; Czechia is 18th highest of 49. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 29th highest.

How big are Czechia's exports?

66.9% of GDP: that is exports of goods and services in Czechia for 2025, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2014, at 81.4% of GDP; its low point was 2009, at 58.5% of GDP. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 47.7% of GDP, and Czechia placed 13th highest of 46. Worldwide: 24th of 133.

Does Czechia have a current account surplus or deficit?

According to the IMF, the current account balance in Czechia was 0.6% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 1.8% of GDP; its low point was 2007, at -4.7% of GDP. It is 20th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is -0.3% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 48th of 132.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Czechia?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 2.7% of GDP. The peak was 10.0% of GDP in 2005 and the low 0.9% of GDP in 2015. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.9% of GDP, and Czechia placed 17th highest of 49. Worldwide: 70th of 179.

How high are loan rates in Czechia?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 4.7%. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 6.3%; its low point was 2021, at 3.2%. Europe & Central Asia median: 8.0%; Czechia is 13th highest of 17. Of 73 countries with 2025 data, 66th highest.