North Macedonia Retail Sales Growth Slows in April

North Macedonia’s retail sales rose 2.1% year-over-year in April 2026, slowing sharply from March’s 8.1% surge. The deceleration was driven by a 19.4% plunge in fuel sales (from -0.1% in March) following a spike in energy costs linked to the Middle East war and the Strait of Hormuz closure. Growth also moderated for food, beverages, and tobacco (11.3% vs 12.7%) and non-food products (5.2% vs 8.2%).

Retail sales in North Macedonia rose 8.1% year-on-year in March 2026, picking up from a 4.4% gain in the previous month. This marked the largest increase since June 2026, driven by growth in sales of food, beverages, and tobacco (+12.7%) and non-food products, excluding fuel (+8.2%). Meanwhile, automotive fuel sales declined 0.1%. Excluding fuel trade, retail sales increased 11.2%. On a nominal basis, retail turnover grew 11.2% in March.

Retail sales in North Macedonia rose 4.4% year-on-year in February 2026, picking up from a 1.6% gain in the previous month. This marked the largest increase since last June, driven by growth in sales of food, beverages, and tobacco (+11.1%) and non-food products, excluding fuel (+3%). Meanwhile, automotive fuel sales declined 8.5%. Excluding fuel trade, retail sales increased 8.1%. On a nominal basis, retail turnover grew 5.7% in February.