Slovak Retail Sales Surge in May as Drought Expected to Weigh on Harvest Estimates

Slovakia's Statistical Office is set to release its first estimates of this year's agricultural harvest, with the figures expected to reflect the toll of prolonged dry conditions over recent months. The release comes as retail trade data for May showed a surprising increase in sales, though the overall figure masks significant differences in performance across different types of stores. The harvest estimate will offer the first official picture of how severely the drought has affected crop yields in Slovakia this year. Meanwhile, the retail sales uptick points to continued consumer activity despite broader economic pressures, with the variation between store categories suggesting uneven recovery across the retail sector.