Retail Sales Decline in Japan

In a surprising turn of events, Japan's retail sales experienced a 1.2% decrease on a monthly basis in March, totaling ¥14.1 trillion (~$98.9 billion). This figure fell below what investors had anticipated, as reported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Annual Growth Despite Monthly Dip

Despite the monthly decline, the annual sales value saw a 3.1% increase. The total commercial sales reached ¥57.1 trillion, with a 3.5% rise in the volume of goods sold compared to March 2024.

Wholesale Industry Shows Resilience

The wholesale sector demonstrated strength, with seasonally adjusted sales values climbing to ¥43.0 trillion, marking a 3.6% increase year-on-year.