Retail sales in Japan fell 0.8% in February compared to the same month last year, according to data from the country’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The drop was recorded for the first time since September last year. Analysts on average had expected a decline of just 0.3%, Trading Economics reported.

According to the revised data, the figure rose 1.1% in January, not 1.6% as previously announced.

Sales of industrial goods fell 2.7% in February, food and beverages fell 0.6% and motor vehicles fell 14.8%. Meanwhile, fuel sales jumped 21.6%.

The volume of retail sales fell by 0.8% last month compared to January. The indicator in monthly comparison shows negative dynamics for the third month in a row.