Denmark Q1 GDP Up 0.9%, Beating Forecasts on Exports

Denmark's economy grew by 0.9% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, according to data released by Statistics Denmark. The figure came in well above the consensus forecast of 0.5% growth. It also exceeded the central bank's earlier guidance of 0.4%. The better-than-expected performance was driven primarily by pharmaceutical exports and construction activity. The data marks a strong start to the year for the Danish economy. The country continues to benefit from robust demand in key export sectors. Statistics Denmark typically releases its quarterly GDP figures in early May. The 0.9% quarter-on-quarter expansion exceeded the predictions of most analysts surveyed ahead of the release. The full-year 2026 growth projection remains unchanged at 2.1%, based on the current outlook. Lars Hansen, a Danish business correspondent, noted that the positive export figures highlight the resilience of Denmark's pharmaceutical sector. The construction industry also contributed to the headline number. The central bank had earlier forecast a more moderate pace of expansion for the opening months of the year. Analysts had expected growth of 0.5%, but the actual result was nearly double that. The strong performance in exports and construction helped the economy outperform expectations.