Rio Grande do Norte retail trade grows 3% in 2026

Retail trade in Rio Grande do Norte grew by 3% between January and August 2026, outperforming the national average of 1.7%. According to data from the Instituto Fecomércio RN (IFC) based on IBGE research, the state ranked fourth in growth among Northeastern states during this period.

The year-to-date growth was primarily driven by supermarkets and fuel sales, as well as strong performance during the first four months of the year. However, the sector experienced a 4.4% decline in August compared to August 2025, breaking a 16-month streak of consecutive growth.

The August contraction was largely attributed to declines in furniture, household appliances, and IT equipment, sectors highly sensitive to high interest rates and credit conditions. Additionally, a high growth rate of 7.2% in August 2025 created a difficult year-over-year comparison. While expanded retail—including vehicles and construction materials—fell by 2.4% in August, it maintains a 2% growth rate for the year.