Overseas declarations are still on the rise, according to the latest Retail Sales Index figures.

Declarations were up 25.8 per cent in December last year, compared with December 2023.

One of the busiest shopping months of the year, December courier imports jumped from $12.8 million in 2023 to $20 million in 2024.

This increase was attributed to higher importations across most categories. Imports by sea rose $0.2 million to $12.2 million. Airport declarations by returning residents jumped from $6.3 million to $7.2 million.

The Bermuda Post Office saw a decrease in goods brought in from overseas, dropping $0.1 million to $0.6 million.

The overall volume of RSI fell 0.6 per cent, with four of the seven sectors recording volume and value decreases.

However, by value, retail sales increased to an estimated $120.2 million, representing 1.6 per cent year-to-year growth.

Motor vehicle sales saw the biggest sector climb, going up in volume by 20.4 per cent, and up in value by 21.3 per cent. Service stations also saw improvement, going up in value by 11.9 per cent and by 12.6 per cent in volume.

Building materials fell 6.5 per cent in volume and 5.7 per cent in value, despite increases the previous month.

Liquor sales also fell during this festive month, with the volume down 4.3 per cent, and the value down 1.9 per cent.

Meanwhile, the sales volume for food stores dropped 3.1 per cent, while its sales value decreased 0.9 per cent.

Apparel sales volume also decreased, by 5.6 per cent in volume and by 1.7 per cent in value.