E-payments through catering, retail industries see summer surge in July

Electronic payment transactions across the catering and retail sectors experienced a significant month-on-month increase in July, according to the latest data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) and the region’s major payment providers.

The boost is widely attributed to the summer vacation period, though year-on-year comparisons reveal a more complex recovery.

In the catering industry, the total value of electronic payments rose 5.8% from June, reaching MOP1.12 billion. This positive monthly trend had fast food restaurants leading the way with an 11.4% surge.

Chinese restaurants and Japanese and Korean restaurants also saw strong growth, increasing by 6.7% and 6.6%, respectively. However, compared to the same month last year, the industry saw a slight decrease of 0.9%.

Up until July, the catering sector’s cumulative transaction amount had grown 2.5% to MOP7.86 billion.

The retail sector displayed a similar pattern, with electronic payment values climbing 5.4% month-on-month to MOP3.93 billion.

A key positive indicator was the narrowing of its annual decline to just 1.1%, suggesting a moderating downturn. Compared to June, the transaction amounts in major retail sectors recorded increases due to the summer vacation effect, with footwear and adult clothing rising by 16.9% and 15.2%, respectively, while leather goods decreased by 4.2%.

In addition, compared to the same month last year, footwear and watches/jewelry saw declines of 4.2% and 1.8%, respectively, while other sectors recorded increases, with cosmetics and personal care products showing the largest rise at 13.5%.

Despite the improved July figures, the retail industry’s total for the January-July period was MOP28.98 billion, representing a 9.1% decrease from 2024.

The data covers approximately 95% of all electronic payment transactions and is estimated to account for 70% to 80% of total revenue in these sectors. Times Reporter