Turkish trade sales decline, retail sales rise in May
The Turkish Statistical Institute reported a decline in trade sales volume alongside an increase in the retail sales volume index for May.
Trade sales volume, measured against a base year of 2021, decreased by 3.8% compared to May of the previous year. The decline was driven by an 18.0% drop in wholesale and retail trade, including repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Specifically, wholesale trade sales fell by 4.6%, while retail trade sales saw a contrasting increase of 5.8%.
On a monthly basis, trade sales volume also decreased by 3.4% compared to April 2024. In May, wholesale and retail trade, along with repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, collectively declined by 1.0%. Within this, wholesale trade sales fell by 5.1%, while retail trade sales experienced a minor decrease of 0.2%.
The contrasting trends between declining trade sales and increasing retail sales underscore the economic dynamics influencing Turkey's commercial sectors in recent months. (ILKHA)