RIGA, Aug 29 (LETA) - According to calendar adjusted Central Statistical Bureau data at constant prices, compared with July 2024, total retail trade turnover increased by 1.7 percent in July 2025.

Retail sale of food products dropped by 1.4 percent. For non-food products, except automotive fuel, the volume of retail trade rose by 4.4 percent, while for automotive fuel it increased by 0.8 percent.

Due to closer cooperation with the State Revenue Service and more extensive use of administrative data, retail trade figures for August were for the first time compiled using VAT returns as the main data source, thereby significantly reducing the reporting burden on businesses.

The largest year-on-year increases were recorded in the retail sale of cultural and recreation goods (33.2 percent), retail sale of cosmetic and toilet articles (21.2 percent), as well as retail sale of electrical household appliances in specialized stores (12.3 percent). However, lower turnover was recorded for clothing, footwear and leather goods (4.3 percent), and for the retail sale of hardware, instruments, construction materials and sanitary equipment (2.3 percent).

Adjusted for calendar effects, the total year-on-year retail trade turnover at current prices increased by 4.7 percent.

Month-on-month, retail trade turnover rose by 1.3 percent (seasonally adjusted data at constant prices). Retail sale of food products increased by 1.9 percent. For non-food products, except automotive fuel, volume of retail trade rose by 1.4 percent, and for automotive fuel it increased by 0.2 percent.

The strongest month-on-month growth was registered in the retail sale of cultural and recreation goods (27.2 percent), followed by retail sale of cosmetic and toilet articles (22.1 percent), and retail sale via stalls and markets (5 percent). The largest turnover declines were recorded in the retail sale in non-specialized stores selling mainly non-food products (2.9 percent) and retail sale of hardware, instruments, construction materials and sanitary equipment (2.6 percent).

Adjusted for seasonal effects, the total month-on-month retail trade turnover at current prices rose by 7.3 percent.