March Retail Sales Up 1.4% from February, 4.6% YOY

Washington, DC, April 16, 2025-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for March 2025 were $734.9 billion, up 1.4% from the previous month and up 4.6% from March 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the January 2025 through March 2025 period were up 4.1% from the same period a year ago. The January 2025 to February 2025 percent change was unrevised from up 0.2%.

Retail trade sales were up 1.4% from February 2025 and up 4.6% from last year. Motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 8.8% from last year, while nonstore retailers were up 4.8% from March 2024.

Excluding motor vehicles, spending rose by a more modest 0.5%.

The data predates President Trump’s “Liberation Day” annoucement of sweeping new tariffs on April 2. However, some earlier tariffs took effect in March, including some levies on goods from Mexico, Canada and China.