According to CAME, SME retail sales rose 17.7% year-on-year in December

SME retail sales rose 17.7% year-on-year in December constant prices, in contrast to a 13.7% drop recorded in the same month of 2023, as reported by the Argentine Confederation of Medium Enterprises (CAME) based on a monthly survey among 1,262 retail businesses in the country, carried out between 2 and January 3, 2025.

According to the report, Sales grew 4.2% in the seasonally adjusted month-on-month comparison, but throughout 2024 they accumulated a decrease of 10% compared to 2023, with 10 months of year-on-year declines and two on the rise (October and December). Only one sector, Textile and clothing, escaped the negative trend of the year, closing with an increase of 2.9%.

“The commercial movement in December was very intense and remained constant throughout the month. Even after Christmas sales continued strong. Businessmen consulted indicated that This year the Christmas atmosphere extended until the end of the month, which explains the December results well above those obtained for Christmas sales. The bank financing options were also very supportive,” CAME reported.

In the last month of 2024, the seven items surveyed recorded year-on-year increases in their sales. The greatest increase was detected in Bazaar, decoration, home textiles and furniture (+23.4%), followed by Food and beverages (+21.2%)Footwear and leather goods (+19.6%) and Textile and clothing (+18.9%). In the accumulated of the year, the greatest decrease was in Perfumeries (-24.5%) and Pharmacies (-19.9%), while Textile and clothing was the only item on the rise (+2.9%).

On the other hand, the tax burden continued to be the most relevant problem for commerce in December, concentrating 67.2% of the responses on the main policies they would expect from the government. 13% expect measures to encourage internal demand and 8.2% expect bureaucratic simplification.

Regarding obstacles, in December 42.4% of SMEs suggested a lack of sales. And regarding the ability to pay salaries in December, Food and beverages had the most difficulties (22% reported problems), followed by Hardware, electrical materials and construction materials (18.7%).