Retail sales in Chile rose 3.4% year-on-year in August 2026, accelerating from an upwardly revised 2.5% increase in July. Growth strengthened in several categories, including motor vehicle parts, tires and accessories (15.2% vs 8.1% in July); construction materials, tools, hardware and paint (8.3% vs 0.9%); miscellaneous consumer goods (4.7% vs 3.8%); and electronics, home equipment and technological products (4.7% vs 4.5%).
Sales also returned to growth for new light motor vehicles (8.9% vs -3.9%) and used light and commercial motor vehicles (2.5% vs -8.6%), while fuel sales were broadly stable (-0.2% vs -7.7%).
By contrast, growth lost momentum in food (0.4% vs 3.6%); clothing, footwear and accessories (2.3% vs 3.3%); and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and toiletries (0.8% vs 1.4%). Beverages and tobacco sales fell further (-5.0% vs -5.2%).
On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail trade increased 1.2% in August, rebounding from a downwardly revised 2.7% decline in the previous month.
