美国5月零售销售数据遭遇重挫，汽车及建筑材料领跌

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. retail sales in May experienced the largest decline of the year, indicating a significant suppressive effect of the new tariff policy on consumer spending, particularly in the automotive sector [1][2]. Economic Data Summary - U.S. retail sales fell by 0.9% month-on-month in May, worse than the market expectation of a 0.6% decline, with the previous value revised down to -0.1% [2]. - Excluding automobiles, sales decreased by 0.3%, also below the expected increase of 0.2% [2]. - Among 13 categories, 7 saw a decline in sales, with building materials and motor vehicles experiencing the largest drops [2]. Consumer Behavior Insights - Consumers are systematically reducing spending after a prior surge driven by tariff-related purchasing [3]. - The restaurant and accommodation sectors, key indicators of service consumption, recorded the second-largest monthly decline of the year, reflecting a tightening in non-essential spending [2][3]. - A media survey indicated that 60% of American households have significantly cut back on discretionary spending due to concerns over economic downturn risks [3]. Sector Performance - In May, sales in home and garden centers dropped by 2.7%, electronics and appliance stores fell by 0.6%, and grocery stores decreased by 0.7% [4]. - Conversely, online retailers saw a sales increase of 0.9%, clothing stores grew by 0.8%, and furniture stores rose by 1.2% [4]. Future Economic Outlook - Historical trends suggest that price increases may be most pronounced in July, with the full impact of tariffs expected to gradually manifest later in the year, potentially suppressing real income growth [4][6]. - Despite the current decline in consumer confidence, stable inflation and low unemployment rates may support sustained consumer growth in the coming months [3].