*Brazil’s national statistics institute (Ibge) has released the figures for the country’s retail sales in October, which showed a 0.4% monthly rise in sales volume and 6.5% rise compared to the same month last year. The accumulated sales volume in the 12 months until October 2024 was up 4.4% from the previous 12-month period. Of the eight product categories measured, six saw monthly rises in sales. The greatest increases were registered in furniture and home appliances (+7.5%) and office supplies and information & communications equipment (+2.7%). In a press release, the Ibge suggested that the significant monthly rise for furniture and home appliances reflected a recovery from the declines in sales the category had registered in the preceding two months. Throughout 2024 sales in this category have been highly volatile, with some months registering rises in sales followed by slumps, resulting in stocks of unsold items piling up in storage, which major retailers have tried to clear by offering promotions and discounts in October.
- BOLIVIA: Former counter-narcotics chief extradited to US
- In brief: Peru’s gov’t approves new debt
- BRAZIL: Tax reform regulation bill nearly over the line
- In brief: Brazil’s retail sales up in October
- HAITI: PM announces action plan amid renewed violence
- In brief: Honduras signs energy transition plan with China
- MEXICO: Congress boosts labour rights for app workers
- In brief: Industrial production drops in Mexico
- PARAGUAY: Police chief denies end to DEA cooperation
- In brief: Boric celebrates first Chilean-made hydrogen bus