In 2013, employment in the wholesale trade did not return to its pre-crisis level

Wholesale trade companies made 57% of the trade turnover in 2012, with 805 billion euros. In addition, they generated value added of 101 billion euros, corresponding to 51% of trade profits. Most notably, the sector provided 88% of trade exports. Sales of goods stagnated in volume from 2011 at close to pre-crisis levels. Employment decreased significantly from 2008 and remained on a downward trend in 2013.