Commercial activity in waeMU continued its downward trend in November 2020. The trade revenue index (Ica) recorded a decline of 1.8% in November 2020. The WAEMU trade turnover index (Ica) continued its downward trend, in monthly variation, with a decline of 1.8% in November 2020, after a realization of -2.9% in October 2020.
The Bceao's monthly economic outlook indicates that the decline in activity in retail trade is mainly linked to the decline in sales of petroleum products, food products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, press articles, bookstores, stationery and school supplies and housing equipment.
This was mitigated by higher purchases of automobiles, motorcycles and spare parts (Benin, Guinea Bissau, Mali and Togo). Year-on-year, the rate of change of the trade turnover index remained negative, rising from -2.2% in October 2020 to -4.0% in November 2020.