According to DOSM’s latest report released today, the wholesale and retail trade sales increased 9.0% year-on-year to RM170.5 billion in July 2026, supported by broad-based growth across wholesale trade, retail trade and motor vehicles.
In line with the increase in sales value, the sector’s volume index rose 4.1% year-on-year, while month-on-month volume expanded by 1.0%, indicating continued growth in trade activity.
Wholesale trade was the main contributor to the overall increase, with sales rising 11.7%, or RM8.2 billion, to RM78.4 billion.
Retail trade grew 6.4%, or RM4.3 billion, to RM71.3 billion, while sales in the motor vehicles sub-sector increased 7.9%, or RM1.5 billion, to RM20.8 billion.
Collectively, the three sub-sectors contributed RM14.1 billion to the year-on-year increase in overall sales.
DOSM said wholesale trade was driven primarily by the other specialised wholesale segment, which surged 22.8% to RM31.7 billion.
The increase was supported by higher sales of petrol, diesel, lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas, partly reflecting movements in petroleum-related market prices.
Wholesale of household goods increased 5.2% to RM15.5 billion, supported by demand for pharmaceutical and medical products, jewellery and clothing.
Wholesale of agricultural raw materials and live animals rose 9.0%, mainly due to stronger demand for palm oil.
Wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco also increased 3.9% to RM14.7 billion, supported by higher sales of rice, grains, flour, sugar, dairy products, fish and other seafood.
Retail trade continued to record positive growth, with sales reaching RM71.3 billion.
Retail sales in non-specialised stores increased 7.2% to RM27.6 billion, supported by supermarkets and department stores.
Retail sales of other goods in specialised stores rose 7.6% to RM15.1 billion, driven mainly by pharmaceutical and medical goods as well as jewellery.
Sales of automotive fuel at specialised stores increased 7.5%, while retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco at specialised outlets rose 6.4%, supported by bakery products, confectionery, seafood, dairy products and eggs.
Online retail activity also remained firm, with the Online Retail Sales Index increasing 7.4% year-on-year, although growth moderated from 9.0% in June.
DOSM said the expansion reflected sustained consumer demand through e-commerce platforms and the growing role of digital channels alongside physical stores.
The motor vehicles sub-sector expanded 7.9% year-on-year, led by sales of motor vehicles, which increased 8.3% to RM10.7 billion.
Sales of motor vehicle parts and accessories rose 7.1%, maintenance and repair activities increased 6.8%, while sales, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related parts grew 10.1%.
DOSM attributed the growth to continued demand for vehicle servicing and aftermarket components.
In volume terms, the motor vehicles sub-sector recorded the strongest growth at 6.2%, followed by retail trade at 4.1% and wholesale trade at 3.6%.
The latest figures indicate that domestic trade activity remained resilient in July, supported by stronger wholesale distribution, steady consumer spending and continued demand in the automotive segment.
