April’s decline in German retail sales signals weaker consumer spending, falling short of expectations for a 0.4% drop.
German retail sales dropped 0.3% month-on-month in April, slightly better than the anticipated 0.4% decline but still marking a continued downturn in consumer activity. The data, released by official statistics, reflects ongoing weakness in household spending amid economic uncertainty.
March had also seen a decline in retail sales, though the exact figure was not provided. Analysts had expected a sharper contraction in April, but the modest improvement offers little relief for broader economic growth concerns.
The report underscores persistent challenges for Europe’s largest economy, where consumer demand remains subdued despite efforts to stimulate spending.