Brazil’s retail sales decreased by 0.1% in January 2025, marking three consecutive months of decline. Major declines were seen in pharmaceuticals and supermarkets, whereas growth occurred in office supplies and fuels. Year-on-year, sales increased by 3.1%, reflecting some stability in the retail sector.
In January 2025, Brazil experienced a slight decline in retail sales by 0.1% month-over-month. This decrease followed a previously revised drop of 0.3% in December 2024 and was below the anticipated forecast of a 0.2% reduction. It represents the third consecutive month of falling sales; however, there are indications of stability in the retail sector, as noted by Cristiano dos Santos from IBGE.
The most significant declines were observed in various sectors: pharmaceutical, medical, orthopedic, and perfumery products saw a decrease of 3.4%. This was followed by a 0.4% fall in sales at hypermarkets and supermarkets that deal with food and beverages, a 0.2% decrease in furniture and appliances, and a 0.1% drop in sales for fabrics, clothing, and footwear.
Conversely, some categories showcased growth, including office equipment and supplies, IT, and communication, which witnessed a notable increase of 5.3%. Other areas of growth included fuels and lubricants at 1.2%, personal and household items at 0.7%, and books and stationery, which rose by 0.6%.
Comparative year-on-year analysis indicates that retail sales had increased by 3.1%, surpassing the earlier recorded 2% from the previous month.
In conclusion, Brazil’s retail sector has encountered a continued decline for three months in a row, with variations evident across different categories. While certain areas suffered significant losses, particularly in pharmaceuticals and hypermarkets, there were notable increases observed in office supplies and fuels. Year-on-year figures suggest a positive trend, indicating an overall growth in retail sales despite recent setbacks.
Original Source: www.tradingview.com
