Retail sales, which roughly match private consumption (the main component of GDP), continued to slow, registering just 2.4% growth in the first 8 months of 2023 (from 2.7% after the first 7 months), statistics show, sent on Wednesday.

Food in the supermarket 2023Photo: Hotnews / Florin Barbuta

Practically, the economic slowdown is confirmed, but the “full side” of the glass is determined by the fact that, since our consumption is mainly imported, the trade balance is adjusted.

Compared to the previous month, sales growth in August was 2.3%, thanks to food sales and fueling by drivers. Sales of non-food products fell by 1.3%.

Looking at the first 8 months, retail sales growth of 2.4% was driven by growth in non-food (+3.8%) and food, beverage and tobacco sales (+3.1%). Retail trade of motor fuel in specialized stores decreased by 1.3%.