ABS:
The fall of 1.8% in June 2021 follows a rise of 0.4% in May 2021.
By state, Victoria (-3.5%) and New South Wales (-2.0%) led the falls, with both under stay-at-home orders for part of the month. Victoria's fall this month is larger than the fall seen in May when the state commenced Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions.
Food retailing (1.5%) was the only industry to rise in June, with those states entering lockdown during the month driving the increase. All other industries fell, as COVID-19 restrictions curtailed foot traffic and household movements, while retailers moved back to online distribution channels.
Despite the impact of restrictions on June 2021, through-the-year sales remain positive, up 2.9% compared to June 2020.
In seasonally adjusted current price terms, the preliminary estimate shows the June quarter rose by 1.3% compared to the March quarter 2021. This follows a fall of 0.1% in the March quarter 2021. Quarterly volume estimates will be included in the final release on 4 August 2021.
Comments