13.05.202612:38:35UTC+00Brazil Retail Sales Rise More Than Expected in March

Brazil’s retail sales rose 0.5% month-over-month in March 2026, following a 0.7% increase in February and surpassing expectations for no change. Retail activity was broadly positive, with five of the eight surveyed segments posting gains. The strongest advances were recorded in office equipment, IT and communication supplies (5.7%), fuels and lubricants (2.9%), other personal and household goods (2.9%), books and stationery (0.7%), and pharmaceutical and personal care products (0.1%). In contrast, sales of furniture and household appliances fell 0.9%, while supermarkets, food, beverages and tobacco declined 1.4%. Sales of textiles, apparel and footwear were unchanged. Across regions, 19 of Brazil’s 27 states registered increases, led by Maranhão (3.8%), Amazonas (3.7%), and Piauí (3.5%). Expanded retail sales grew 0.3%, and overall retail sales were up 4.0% year-on-year.