Spain | Impact of COVID-19 on consumption in real time and high frequency in Jul-21

Card purchases in July were 28% higher than those made in the same month of 2019. The increase in spending with Spanish cards, both in person and online, offset the decline in transactions with foreign cards. However, they moderated their decline, especially in the face-to-face channel.

Key points

• Key points:
• Card spending was higher than that made in Jul-19 in all sectors, except large stores, beauty, fashion and travel. The rise in consumption in bars and restaurants and especially in accommodation stood out, which recovered the levels of two years ago for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.
• Face-to-face purchases grew in 50 provinces compared to Jul-19. The advance in spending was greater in some inland areas (Ávila, Segovia, Teruel and Huesca) and traditional tourist destinations (Cádiz and Girona).
• Purchases with foreign cards in the Balearic Islands exceeded the records of 2019 for the first time since the beginning of the health emergency.
• Card cash withdrawals were again below the 2019 figures in July (-3%). Lugo, Ourense, Cuenca and Córdoba led the recovery of the refunds last month.

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