Turkey's trade and retail sales show modest growth in August

Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute released on Oct. 12 show that Turkey's total trade sales volume increased by 0.6% in August compared with the same month a year earlier, while the retail sales volume index rose sharply by 10.1% year-on-year. Monthly figures indicate a 0.2% rise in trade sales and a 1.4% increase in retail sales for August. The wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles declined, with an 11.2% annual drop and a 1% monthly fall, and wholesale trade overall fell 1.9% annually and 0.2% monthly.

Non-food retail, excluding automotive fuel, posted a 12.8% annual gain, driven by a 22.9% surge in computers, books and telecommunications equipment. Mail-order and internet sales grew 17.9% year-on-year, while electronic goods and furniture were the only retail sub-sector to see a 3.1% decline. Food, drinks and tobacco sales rose 5.3% compared with August of the previous year.