Romania’s retail sales figures confirm slower private consumption this year
Romania’s retail sales index increased by 1.1% y/y in February, but this was the weakest growth rate since December 2023, while the seasonally-adjusted index (-0.9% m/m) was the lowest in six months, according to the statistics office INS.
iulian ernst · Journalist
· Updated · 2 min read
Romania’s retail sales index increased by 1.1% y/y in February, but this was the weakest growth rate since December 2023, while the seasonally-adjusted index (-0.9% m/m) was the lowest in six months, according to the statistics office INS.
Romania’s February retail figures confirm broad expectations for a weaker advance of private consumption this year, dragged down by a slower advance of income across the entire economy (private and budgetary sectors) and growing concerns about future wealth. This trend will perhaps accelerate in Q2 with rising concerns about the impact of the new US trade policies and may further strengthen in H2 with the new fiscal consolidation package (particularly if it includes a VAT rate hike).
