United Kingdom Cbi Distributive Trades

Last Release

Dec 31, 2025

Actual

-44

Units In

Net Balance

-32

Frequency

Monthly

Next Release

Jan 23, 2026

Time to Release

1 Months 1 Days 22 Hours

Highest	Lowest	Average	Date Range	Source
72 Jul 1984	-55 Dec 2008	14.62 Net Balance	1983-2025	Confederation of British Industry

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Distributive Trades Survey (DTS) measures the health of the retail sector. The reading is compiled from a survey of about 150 retail and wholesale companies. It includes measures of sales activity across the distributive trades. It is a leading indicator of consumer spending. The figure is the difference between the percentage of retailers reporting an increase in sales and those reporting a decrease.

Latest Updates

The CBI’s retail sales balance fell to a six-month low of -44 in December 2025 from -32 in November, below market expectations of -30. Retail sales volumes declined at the fastest pace in six months, extending a prolonged downturn that has persisted since mid-2023, with conditions expected to worsen further in January as the balance drops to -57, the weakest outlook since March 2021. Sales were widely judged to be poor for the time of year, underscoring a disappointing Christmas trading period amid fragile consumer confidence. Online sales also slipped back into contraction after two months of growth, while wholesale sales fell at their steepest rate since June 2020. Across the broader distribution sector, including retail, wholesale and motor trades, sales volumes recorded their sharpest decline in more than five years. The survey points to a bleak start to 2026, with firms citing weak demand and high operating costs.