27 October 2017

2017- n° 287

In August 2017, the sales volume in overall trade recovered (+0.9%) Sales volume in wholesale and retail trade - August 2017

In August 2017, the sales volume in overall trade recovered (+0.9%) after a slight decrease in July (–0.2%). It bounced back in wholesale trade (+0.9% after −0.5%) and in trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (+1.8% after −0.8%). It rose again in retail trade (+0.4% after +0.4%)

Over the last three months (June to August), the sales volume in overall trade went up by 1.2% compared to the previous three months. It rose sharply in wholesale trade (+1.6%) and in retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (+1.9%). It went up more moderately in retail trade (+0.4%) – it increased by 5.1% in retail trade not in stores and by 0.2% in specialised stores while it flattened out in non-specialised stores (−0.1%).

Over the last three months, the sales volume in overall trade grew by 4.7% year on year. It increased markedly in all sectors. It rose significantly in wholesale trade (+4.5%). It also rose sharply in retail trade (+3.6%) – it grew in specialised stores (+3.8%) and non-specialised stores (+2.2%) as well as in retail trade not in stores (+9.4%). It went up substantially in trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (+8.1%).

In August 2017, the sales volume in whosesale trade recovered (+0.9% after –0.5% in July). It gathered pace in wholesale of agricultural raw materials and live animals (+6.7% after +2.7%). After a stability in July, it bounced back in wholesale of other machinery, equipment and supplies (+1.8%). It rebounded in wholesale of household goods (+0.8% after −1.6%) and in wholesale on a fee or contract basis (+0.9% after −1.8%). By contrast, the sales volume fell back in information and communication equipment (−1.0% after +0.6%) and in other non specialised wholesale (−0.7% after +0.8%).

In August 2017, the sales volume in trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles recovered (+1.8% after −0.8% in July). This increase was due to a sharp rebound in sale of motor vehicle (+2.7% after −1.3%), in maintenance and repair of motor vehicles (+3.2% after −1.4%) and in sale and repair of motorcycles (+3.7% after −3.6%). Conversely, the sales volume of motor vehicle parts and accessories fell back (−0,7% after +0.7%).

In August 2017, the sales volume in retail trade rose again moderately (+0.4%, the same as in July). In specialised stores, the sales volume slowed down (+0.4% after +1.0%) even though it recovered sharply in retail sale of food, beverages and tobacco (+4.4% after −4.1%) and grew markedly in cultural and recreation goods (+1.8% after +1.4%). In fact, the sales volume in retail sale of other goods flattened out (+0.1% after +1.7%). Besides, it fell back in retail of automotive fuel (−1.7% after +1.0%) and in retail sale of information and communication equipment (−0.5% after +3.3%). The sales volume in retail trade not in stores rose sharply (+2.0% after +1.6%).

According to the first early estimates, the sales volume in retail trade except of motor vehicles and motorcycles should increase in September 2017 (+1.2%). It should grow by 4,2% year on year.

The variation in the sales volume of overall trade in July 2017 has been revised upwards. Initially stated at −0.4%, it has been set at −0.2% (rounded number).