Japan Retail Sales Growth Hits 1-Year Peak

2026-05-28 23:55 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

Retail sales in Japan grew 2.1% year-on-year in April 2026, following a downwardly revised 1.4% rise in the previous month and surpassing market expectations for a 1.3% gain.

It was the fastest increase since April 2025, supported by government efforts, including a stimulus package aimed at boosting consumption and easing price pressures.

Sales increased in automobiles (15.4%), machinery and equipment (5.5%), other retail goods (4.3%), department stores (3.3%), pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (2.8%), and food and beverages (0.2%).

Conversely, sales declined in fuel (-9.0%), non-store retail (-2.0%), and clothing and personal goods (-1.6%).

On a monthly basis, retail trade grew 1.3%, following a downwardly revised 1.0% gain in March, and marking the fastest increase in three months..



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Japan Retail Sales Growth Hits 1-Year Peak
Retail sales in Japan grew 2.1% year-on-year in April 2026, following a downwardly revised 1.4% rise in the previous month and surpassing market expectations for a 1.3% gain. It was the fastest increase since April 2025, supported by government efforts, including a stimulus package aimed at boosting consumption and easing price pressures. Sales increased in automobiles (15.4%), machinery and equipment (5.5%), other retail goods (4.3%), department stores (3.3%), pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (2.8%), and food and beverages (0.2%). Conversely, sales declined in fuel (-9.0%), non-store retail (-2.0%), and clothing and personal goods (-1.6%). On a monthly basis, retail trade grew 1.3%, following a downwardly revised 1.0% gain in March, and marking the fastest increase in three months..
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