German retail sales rose 0.8% in February, surpassing analyst expectations of 0.2%, but increasing import prices pose inflation risks that could impact consumer spending.
Economists remain cautious, citing weak consumer sentiment. Chief economist Alexander Krueger noted that growing job concerns are limiting spending. Unemployment increased by 26,000 in March to 2.92 million, nearing the 3 million mark for the first time in a decade.
Import prices jumped 3.6% year-over-year in February, the highest in over two years, driven by food costs. As Germany imports many raw materials, these higher costs could push inflation up.
March inflation data, set for release on Monday, is expected to drop slightly to 2.4% from 2.6% in February.
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