MADRID, April 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Spain's economic growth slowed slightly in the first quarter but the European Union's strongest performer maintained a solid pace, official data showed Tuesday.

The economy expanded by 0.6 percent in the first three months of the year compared to the previous quarter as exports and consumer spending rose sharply, according to the national statistics institute (INE).

The figure was in line with central bank forecasts.

The institute also lowered its fourth quarter growth estimate from 0.8 percent to 0.7 percent.

Spain's economy has outpaced all other countries in the EU, growing 3.2 percent last year compared to one percent on average across the 27-nation bloc.

The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has forecast growth of 2.6 percent for 2025.

The INE also released inflation data showing consumer prices rose 2.2 percent in April, down from 2.3 percent in March as gas and fuel prices fell.