No.23/233/DKom
The latest Retail Sales Survey
performed by Bank Indonesia indicated improving retail sales performance in
July 2021. Similarly, retailers also expected sales to continue to increase in
August 2021, as reflected in the Real Sales Index (RSI) to a level of 196.5 or
by monthly growth 4.3% (mtm). Survey respondents confirmed the recent gains
were driven by nearly all commodity groups, particularly Spare Parts and
Accessories, Other Household Equipment and Automotive Fuel, in response to
greater mobility as restrictions on public activity were relaxed by the
government, coupled with growing domestic demand.
With a reading of 188.5, the Real
Sales Index (RSI) experienced a shallower 5.0% (mtm) contraction in July 2021
compared with -12.8% (mtm) one month earlier, led by Food, Beverages and
Tobacco. Respondents disclosed that demand for Food, Beverages and Tobacco
appears resilient given the various strategies employed to increase
online/delivery sales amid mobility restrictions.
Annually, respondents predicted a
shallower contractionary retail sales phase in August 2021 (-0.1% yoy), supported by broad-based
improvements across nearly all commodity groups, particularly Automotive Fuel
as well as Food, Beverages and Tobacco that are in positive territory.
Meanwhile, annual retail sales in July 2021 slumped into a 2.9% (yoy)
contraction after expanding 2.5% (yoy) in the previous period, with Information
and Communication Equipment, Other Household Equipment as well as Cultural and
Recreational Goods as the main drag on growth.
In terms of prices, retailers
predicted a build-up of inflationary pressures in October 2021 and January
2022. The Price Expectations Index (PEI) for October 2021 increased to a level
of 123.0, while the PEI for January 2022 increased to 134.2 from 129.3.
Respondent stated that higher prices are because of raw materials.
Jakarta, 9th September 2021
Head
of Communication Department
Erwin
Haryono
Executive Director
Information about Bank Indonesia
Tel. 021-131, Email: bicara@bi.go.id
