China Retail Sales Rise 1.0% Year‑on‑Year in June 2026

China’s retail sales increased 1.0% year‑on‑year in June 2026, surpassing the market consensus of a 0.1% decline. The reading improved from a 0.6% contraction in May, marking a 1.6‑percentage‑point rebound. This upturn followed several months of subdued consumption, signaling a modest recovery in household demand. Gains were led by stronger food and beverage sales and a pickup in online retail activity, offsetting continued weakness in property‑related spending. Compared with the 12‑month average growth rate of roughly 2.5%, June’s figure remained below trend, reflecting lingering consumer caution amid uneven economic momentum. Market participants now look to July’s industrial output and fixed‑asset investment data, as well as any policy cues from the People’s Bank of China, for further insight into domestic demand conditions. Updated 7/15/26