Italy sees June consumer spending slump as Veneto forecasts modest 2026 GDP rise

The Confimprese-Jakala observatory reported a 2.6% drop in overall consumer spending in June, with apparel and accessories down 4.7% and restaurants down 4.2%. President Mario Resca said the slowdown signals a growing cautiousness among Italian families, which could affect future business investment. While discretionary purchases fell, sectors such as personal care, home goods and electronics recorded a 2.0% gain, highlighting a split market between essential and non‑essential spending.

In the Veneto region, the latest outlook projects a 0.6% increase in gross regional product for 2026, outpacing the national average but still reflecting a slow pace. Consumer spending is expected to rise, whereas employment numbers are set to decline. Fixed‑capital investment is projected to weaken sharply, slowing by about 14 times the rate of consumption, underscoring challenges for the regional economy.