FX.co ★ Portugal Retail Sales Rise at Slower Pace

In March 2025, the growth of retail trade in Portugal slowed to 4.0% year-over-year, a decrease from a revised 4.5% in February. This downturn was primarily driven by a more modest increase in non-food sales, which grew by 2.3% compared to the previous 3.6%. In the non-food sector, sales growth decelerated significantly in various areas: non-specialized stores saw growth dip to 2.6% from 6.0%, while sales of computers, telecommunications equipment, books, and other specialized products slowed to 4.6% from 9.3%. The increase in sales of pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, and hygiene products also reduced to 4.9% from 9.0%. Meanwhile, the decline in fuel sales eased slightly, at -3.0% compared to -4.6% previously, and sales of household goods and related items fell by 0.6% after experiencing a 1.8% rise earlier. On a brighter note, food sales picked up speed, increasing by 6.6% from the 5.8% growth observed in the prior month.