Trade sales grow 0.9% in the third quarter

Asales in trade increased by 0.9% each year in the third quarter of 2026, slowing down by 1.6 percentage points (p.p.) compared to the previous quarter, according to the National Statistical Institute (INE).

For September, the turnover index in trade showed a negative annual change of 0.3%, slowing down 2.0 p.p. against the value observed in the previous month.

Wholesale sales increased from 1.8% in August to a decrease of 1.7% in September. In turn, the trade, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles grew by 3.3%, an acceleration of 2.4 p.p. in the face of August.

Retail trade grew by 0.1%, slowing down 1.9 p.p. compared to the previous month.

In monthly terms, the total index decreased 1.9% after an increase of 1.1% in August.

Retail trade decreased by 1.0%, while wholesale trade except for motor vehicles and motorcycles went from an increase of 3.0% to a decrease of 3.6%.

The trade, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles showed a variation rate of 1.4% (0.6% in the previous month).

In September, the employment, remuneration and hours worked varied annually from 0.7%, 6.2% and 0.8%, respectively (1.3%, 6.3% and 1.0% in the previous month).