LatinNews Daily - 16 February 2026

*Brazil’s national statistics institute (Ibge) has released its latest figures for retail sales, showing that the country’s sales volume in December was down 0.4% on the previous month, while accumulated annual sales in 2025 were up 1.6% compared to 2024. In monthly terms, six of the eight product categories measured by the Ibge saw a drop in sales in December. The greatest monthly decreases were registered in pharmaceutical, medical, and orthopaedic items, and perfumes (-5.1%), books, newspapers, magazines, and stationery (-2.0%), and other personal and domestic items (-1.8%). Meanwhile, the annual sales figures for 2025 showed annual rises for seven categories, with significant increases registered in furniture and home appliances (+4.5%), pharmaceutical, medical, and orthopaedic items, and perfumes (+4.5%), and information and communications equipment and office supplies (+4.1%).