In 2016 non-food retail sales increased 6.8%, benefitting from robust private consumption growth fuelled by low inflation and increasing employment.
- Over the last three years the Hungarian consumer durables retail sector recorded growth rates above the EU average. In 2016 non-food retail sales increased 6.8%, benefitting from robust private consumption growth of 4%, which was fuelled by low inflation and increasing employment.
- Consumer durables retail growth is set to continue in 2017, although at a lower level than in 2016 as private consumption growth will slow down somewhat.
- The consumer durables market is characterised by strong price competition, which has increased due to the increasing importance of online sales, which grew 24% in 2016. Online transactions accounted for 3.9% of all retail trade in 2016, up from 3% in 2015. As the increased price competition is currently more than offset by demand increase, businesses’ profit margins continue to improve.
- Retailers have been trying to keep their inventories on a manageable level, but some players are not sufficiently capitalised, requiring additional bank- or supplier-financing. Banks are generally willing to provide loans to the sector.
- Payment duration in the Hungarian consumer durables retail industry is 60 days on average. Payment delays show no increasing trend, however, in the furniture industry the current situation is worrying, as almost 3% of invoices are paid with delays of more than 90 days. Consumer durables retail insolvencies are on a par with other Hungarian industries, and no increases are expected in 2017.
- Tax-evasion/tax fraud is an issue in this sector because the 27% VAT in Hungary is one of the highest in the world. Therefore, quick actions are needed in case of unusual events surrounding a buyer (e.g. sudden changes in name, ownership, management structure, high dividends, suspiciously high increases in turnover or profitability, etc.).
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Market Monitor April 2017
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