SINGAPORE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's retail sales increased 4.8 percent year on year in March 2026, following the 8.3 percent growth in February 2026, official data showed Tuesday.

Within the retail trade sector, most industries recorded year-on-year growth in sales in March, the Singapore Department of Statistics said in a statement.

Sales of recreational goods surged 13.1 percent, while motor vehicles, parts and accessories rose 12.9 percent.

The computer and telecommunications equipment segment posted an 11.9 percent increase, driven in part by higher mobile phone sales.

However, some categories remained under pressure. Food and alcohol retailers recorded a 6 percent decline, while department stores saw sales fall 5.7 percent.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the retail sales rose 3.7 percent in March over the previous month.

Total retail sales value for the month was estimated at 4.7 billion Singapore dollars (3.68 billion U.S. dollars), with online retail accounting for 15.7 percent of total sales. ■