Retail sales in Indonesia increased by 1.5 percent year-on-year in April 2023, slowing from a 4.9 percent growth in the previous month. It was the third straight month of increase in retail sales, as consumption slowed amid rising cost pressures, with sales moderating for both foods (4.6% vs 9.4% in March) and cultural & recreational goods (9.9% vs 1.1%). Also, sales continued to fall for automotive parts & accessories (-4.9% vs -9.5%) and information & communication (-23.5% vs -18.4%). By contrast, sales of clothing accelerated (17.6% vs 17.3%), amid an upturn in sales of both fuels (8.3% vs -12.5%) and home appliances (2.9% vs -9.0%). On a monthly basis, retail sales surged by 12.8% in April, the most in 12 months, following a 7.0% rise in March.
