German retail and automotive trade report mixed economic results

Economic data from Germany shows divergent trends between the automotive sector in Bavaria and general retail performance. In Bavaria, the automotive trade saw growth in the first half of 2026. Nominal turnover in the sector rose by 4.0 percent and real turnover by 2.0 percent compared to the first half of 2025. Specifically, the automobile trade sub-sector saw a 5.1 percent nominal increase, while maintenance and repair services saw a 6.9 percent nominal increase.

Conversely, national retail figures for July 2026 indicate a downturn. According to the Federal Statistical Office, real retail turnover in Germany fell by 3.4 percent compared to June 2026. Non-food retail saw a real decline of 4.8 percent, and internet/mail-order sales dropped by 5.6 percent month-on-month. Gas station sales also experienced a significant real decline of 9.1 percent following the end of previous fuel discounts.