Commercial activity grew 3.02% in February of 2024

During February of 2024, the trading sector registered a growth of 3.02%, compared to the same month of the last year, driven by the wholesale, retail and automotive trade. During the first two months of this year, the sector experienced an increase of 2.71% compared with the same period of the year 2023.

 

The wholesale commerce grew 3.08%, the sale of solid, liquid, gas fuels and lubricants, mainly targeted to mining sector, gas stations of retail service and distributors of domestic gas.

 

Likewise, the sale of other type of machinery and equipment for mining, industry and health sectors, such as heavy-duty machinery, hydraulic equipment, equipment’s for refrigerated transport, equipment of air conditioning and refrigeration, cables for industrial use, medical and laboratory equipment. 

 

In addition, the sale of foods, beverages and tobacco due to greater supply to markets and retail chains of products such as groceries and soda drinks. The same trend registered the sale of agricultural raw materials and of live animals due to the greater commercialization of grains and seeds such as coffee, oleaginous fruits, live chicken and inputs to feed animals.

 

Furthermore, the sale of textile products, clothing items and footwear increased, such as yarn, white clothes, cotton clothing and footwear, due to school campaign. It also grew the sale of agricultural machine, equipment and supplies due to greater purchase orders.

 

Nevertheless, it decreased the sale of construction materials, paints and glass products; and sale of waste, scrap and other products.

 

The retail trade registered an increase of 3.06%, determined by the sale of fuels and lubricants for automotive vehicles, due to the extension of gas stations and the vehicle fleet. In addition, it grew the sale of optical agro-chemical, veterinary, horlogerie, handicrafts and costume jewelry. Likewise, the sale of clothing items, footwear and leather articles increased due to the changes of stations and school campaign.

 

The sale in supermarkets and mini-markets grew mainly due to the demand of table drinks and carbonated drinks in summer season. Other branch that outstood was the sale of pharmaceutical, medicinal, cosmetic products and toiletries due to the demand of medications, toiletries and dermatological cosmetics. 

 

The sale by mail order and by Internet was favored due to the commercial management focused in discounts and free delivery. Followed the same trend the sale of books, newspapers and stationary items by school campaign with greater sale of books and school supplies.

On the other hand, it decreased the sale of household appliances, furniture, lighting fixtures and other household articles; and the sale of hardware retailing, paints and glass products.

 

The automotive trade reported an increase of 2.42%, due to the sale of parts, pieces and accessories of automotive vehicles before the demand of pneumatics and lighting equipment, linked to the opening of new premises. 

 

In addition, the sale of automotive vehicles grew in the segment of light duty, heavy duty vehicles and in smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and tri-motos.

 

Likewise, the maintenance and repair of automotive vehicles increased due to washing, repair and maintenance service and the sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and its parts, pieces and accessories.