The UK's Office for National Statistics announced on Friday that the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of this year. This is the first quarterly decline since 2022. Economists had forecast a 0.1% growth. The decline was unexpected for analysts. The main reasons were a fall in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Experts believe the UK economy remains vulnerable. The government states the need for long-term measures to stimulate growth. Officials emphasized that the economy is still recovering from the pandemic. Further analysis of economic indicators is expected in the coming months.
