Retail Sales in Hungary 1.3% Down on Previous Month

In May 2025, the volume of retail trade in both raw and calendar-adjusted data was 2.1% higher than in the same month of the previous year in Hungary, the country's Central Statistical Office (KSH) reports.

Compared to the same period of the previous year, calendar-adjusted sale volumes expanded by 0.5% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 4.0% in non-food retailing and fell by 1.1% in automotive fuel retailing. According to seasonally and calendar adjusted data, the volume of retail sales was 1.3% down on the previous month. In January–May 2025, the volume of sales – also according to calendar adjusted data – was 3.1% higher than in the corresponding period of the previous year.

In May 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects:
The volume of domestic retail sales increased by 2.1%.

The volume of sales grew by 0.5% in specialized and non-specialized food retailing. The volume of sales increased by 2.1% in non-specialized food and beverages shops accounting for 76% of food retailing and fell by 4.0% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores.

The turnover of non-food retailing increased by a total of 4.0% in volume. Sales volumes rose by 9.1% in non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods, by 7.2% in furniture and electrical goods stores, by 3.6% in pharmaceutical, medical goods and cosmetics shops, by 1.0% in textiles, clothing and footwear shops, by 0.4% in books, computer equipment and other specialized stores, while decreased by 2.5% in second-hand goods shops.

The volume of mail order and internet retailing accounting for 8.1% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods grew by 4.8%.

The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations decreased by 1.1%.

Sales volume in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores not belonging to retail data was essentially unchanged.

In May 2025:
Domestic retail sales amounted to HUF 1,691 billion at current prices.

50% of the national retail turnover was generated in specialized and non-specialized food shops, 36% in non-food retail trade and 14% in automotive fuel stations.

In January–May 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for calendar effects:
The volume of retail trade rose by 3.1%.

The volume of sales rose by 2.7% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 4.6% in non-food retail trade and by 0.7% in automotive fuel retail trade.