Consumption is a key indicator of economic dynamics, and a decline of over 25% shows that companies are facing a slowdown in demand, with effects on investment, development plans, and the labour market, says Florin Jianu, president of IMM (SME) Romania.
'Consumption is an essential indicator for the economy's dynamics. A decrease of this magnitude shows that companies are facing a slowdown in demand, which may have consequences for investments, development plans, and the labour market. It is important that economic policies support stability and predictability in the business environment,' Florin Jianu stated in a press release from IMM Romania.
According to the same source, data published by the National Institute of Statistics on the evolution of retail trade show a 25.3% decrease in turnover in January 2026 compared with December 2025, in raw series, confirming a significant slowdown in domestic consumption - one of the main pillars of economic growth in recent years.
SME Romania points out that this development represents an important signal for the business environment and decision-makers, as reduced consumption directly affects the activity of companies in trade, manufacturing, logistics, and services.
The decline was recorded across all major segments of retail trade. Sales of non-food products fell by 27.7%, fuel sales in specialised stores for vehicles dropped by 26.6%, while sales of food, beverages, and tobacco decreased by 21.5%.
SME Romania emphasises that the entrepreneurial environment is already feeling pressure from high operational costs, economic uncertainties, and declining purchasing power. In this context, the organisation considers it essential to maintain a predictable economic framework, avoid fiscal measures that could negatively impact consumption, and stimulate investment, in order to support the recovery of economic activity in the coming months.
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