Chile’s retail trade growth accelerated to 4.4% year-on-year in September 2026, up from an upwardly revised 3.6% in August, supported by stronger sales across several categories. The largest increases were seen in spare parts, tires, and accessories for motor vehicles (15.6% vs. 13.7% in August); used light-duty and commercial vehicles (8.4% vs. 2.9%); miscellaneous consumer goods (9.8% vs. 5.1%); electronic products, home equipment, and technology goods (8.4% vs. 5.3%); and construction materials, tools, hardware, and paint (8.1% vs. 7.8%).
Sales of pharmacy, cosmetics, and personal hygiene products also grew at a faster pace (3.0% vs. 1.3%), while growth in clothing, footwear, and accessories was steady at 2.5%. By contrast, sales of new light motor vehicles declined by 3.8%, reversing an 8.9% increase in August. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, retail trade rose 1.0% in September, following an upwardly revised 2.1% jump in August.
