Commercial activity has lost momentum since March, according to an analysis of inflation-adjusted transactions
SANTO DOMINGO.-Commerce registered a cumulative real decrease of 0.75% between January and July 2026, after discounting the effect of inflation on the operations declared to the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), according to an analysis by the National Organization of Commercial Enterprises (ONEC).
This behavior contrasts with the accumulated growth of 2.4% recorded by commerce in the Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity (IMAE) up to July, a result that includes activities such as the sale of fuels and vehicles
The ONEC explained that, by excluding those activities and analyzing the rest of the commercial operations adjusted for inflation, a progressive loss of dynamism is observed during the last few months.
The estimated cumulative real growth reached 2.05% in March, but fell to 0.49% in April and went into negative territory in May, when it registered a variation of -0.33%.
The trend continued in June, with a decrease of 0.29%, and deepened in July to reach -0.75%.
For the organization, more than the result of a specific month, the evolution of these indicators reflects a sustained loss of the pace of business operations.
It warns about the impact on businesses and jobs
The organization noted that the behavior should be observed for its potential effects on employment, investment, and household consumption.
ONEC indicated that trade generates around one million jobs, so a prolonged reduction in activity can affect companies, suppliers and families linked to the sector.
“Various sectors of the business community have begun to raise their voices in response to a reality that is being felt more and more strongly in companies,” the organization stated.
The organization added that behind the indicators are small and medium-sized businesses, workers, and families who depend on the performance of commercial activity.
Difference between nominal growth and real performance
ONEC's analysis takes into account the transactions reported to the DGII and adjusts its results for inflation, with the aim of identifying the real behavior of sales.
This approach allows us to differentiate between the increase in monetary values resulting from prices and the actual growth of commercial operations.
The organization argued that maintaining the dynamism of the sector is relevant for businesses and households, due to the weight that commerce has within the national economic activity.
He calls for measures to restore dynamism
Given the trend observed since March, the organization considered it necessary to create conditions that allow companies to maintain their operations, make investments and preserve jobs.
“Trade needs signals that help restore confidence and dynamism,” said ONEC, which raised the need to adopt measures to prevent the negative trend from continuing in the coming months.
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