Andorra Retail Sales Plunge 13.5% in February Due to RN20 Road Closure

Retail sales in Andorra fell 13.5% in February compared to the previous year, with the Statistics Department attributing the decline primarily to the closure of the RN20 road to France.

Data released on Monday showed drops across all product categories. Food sales decreased 12.1%, other products fell 7.3%, and fuels saw the sharpest drop at 24.1%. At constant prices, which exclude inflation effects, the overall sales volume index dropped 14.3% year-on-year, from 89.5 in February 2025 to 76.7. Food sales declined 14.3% to an index of 65 from 75.9, other products fell 9.6% to 76.9 from 85, and fuels dropped 16.7% to 97 from 116.4.

The RN20, a key access route from France, was closed from 31 January to 9 March due to a landslide, limiting visitor arrivals and curbing commercial activity for much of the month.

Employment in retail also contracted 4.6% year-on-year, with the index falling to 102.6 from 107.5. Women made up 58.8% of the workforce, while men accounted for 41.2%. Full-time contracts dominated at 85.5%, with 14.5% part-time.

Large retail outlets experienced a milder downturn, with sales down 2.1% at current prices. Food sales fell 5%, while non-food products rose 1.5%. At constant prices, the decline deepened to 4.7%, from an index of 86 to 82. Food sales dropped 7.4% to 86.1 from 92.9, and non-food items edged down 0.9% to 75.8 from 76.5.

Employment at these outlets grew 2.4% to an index of 100.4 from 98. Women comprised 64.2% of staff, men 35.8%, with 91.5% in full-time roles and 8.5% part-time.