Country Watch | 18 October 2026 | Türkiye
Türkiye's statistics office reported that retail trade sales volume grew 10.1% year on year in August 2026. Over the same period, wholesale trade volume fell 1.9%, and the volume of motor-vehicle and motorcycle trade and repair declined 11.2%. The overall trade sales volume measure was therefore up only 0.6%. Month on month, retail volume increased 1.4%.
These are volume indicators rather than nominal turnover, which is crucial in an economy with high inflation. The discrepancy across categories suggests the consumer-facing retail market, business-to-business trade and motor vehicles were moving differently. It would be premature to infer an across-the-board consumption boom or a national demand collapse from one release. Future real wage trends, credit conditions and subsequent monthly readings will help establish whether retail resilience can last.
The issue is open to competing interpretations and future data may change the picture.
Discussion question: Why is Turkish retail trade expanding much faster than wholesale and motor-vehicle activity?
— Forgotten Fortunes Editorial