Sharp rise in imports seen in retail sales figures
There was another significant jump in imports outlined in the latest retail sales figures released by the Government, this time for May. Selected overseas declarations increased 8.0 per cent compared with May 2024.
Overall, May’s volume of Retail Sales Index decreased 0.6 per cent compared with last year, according to the Department of Statistics and the Ministry of Economy and Labour.
Figures published today had May’s volume of Retail Sales Index decreasing 0.6 per cent compared with last year. In value terms, retail sales increased to an estimated $115.1 million.
Five of the seven sectors recorded year-over-year volume index increases in May.
Food Stores’ sales volume increased 1.7 per cent, Motor Vehicle Stores’ sales volume rose 8.1 per cent, the sales volume for Building Material Stores increased 7.1 per cent, and the sales volume at Apparel Stores increased 1.8 per cent.
The following two sectors decreased in sales volume compared with the previous year, including Liquor Stores down 1.7 per cent and the All-Other Store Types sector (comprising stores selling household items, furniture, appliances, electronics, pharmaceuticals and tourist-related goods) which were down 6.5 per cent.
• For more on the May 2025 Retail Sales Index see Related Media