Commerce activity grew 3.64% in December of 2024

The Commerce sector increased 3.64% during the month of December of 2024, compared to the same month of the year 2023, determined by the positive evolution of the wholesale trade and the retail automotive trade.

Likewise, the technical report Monthly Survey of Services, prepared by the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), stated that during the year 2024, the commercial activity accumulated a growth of 2.96% compared to the year 2023.

The wholesale trade increased by 3.67% due to the positive performance of the sale of machinery and equipment, mainly of heavy-duty machinery, electric equipment, measurement instruments, hydraulic pumps, compressors, medical and industrial equipment, targeted to mining, construction, health and industry sectors.

The sale of solids, liquids and gas fuels and also lubricants, given the distribution to productive sectors and retail supply centers, showed a positive behavior. In addition, the sale of nutritional products such as instant beverages, industrial chemical products such as adhesives, sealants, fragrances and colorants; also, veterinary medicines.

In addition, the sale of foods, beverages, and tobacco grew before the greater rotation of products of first need such as dairy products, rice, sugar, confectionery, carbonated drinks, fruit nectars and liqueurs, associated to summer season and end-of-the-year festivities. The same behavior was registered the sale of other household goods, driven by household appliances, pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic and perfumery products, household articles and personal care products, stationery and books, crockery and glassware.

Likewise, the sale of metals and metal ores, of computers, peripherical equipment and computer programs, due to renewal processes at corporative level and capture new customers. In addition, the sale of agricultural raw materials and live animals, due to the greater commercialization of grains and seeds, oleaginous fruit and chicken benefited.

The retail trade increased by 3.79% due to the sale of computers, peripherical units, computer programs and telecommunication equipment, before the greater demand of the last software and hardware versions, incorporation of modules of mobile operators in stores and discounts of well-known brands.

The sale of pharmaceutical and medicine products, cosmetic products and toiletries grew due to the launching of new products with own brand, promotions in personal care items and expansion of points of sale due to end-of-the-year campaign. At the same time, the sale in super-markets and mini-markets was favoured by Christmas campaigns, discounts and promotions; as well as the sale in department stores, due to the opening of new shopping centers and improve of commercial channels.

At the same time, the sale of clothing items, footwear and leather articles grew due to the investment in marketing campaigns, new sales points, Christmas fairs and summer promotions. Likewise, the sale of jewelry, watchmaking, sunglasses and contact lenses, Christmas baskets, products of personal security and craft shops increased as a response to the demand of the summer season.

The sale of household appliances, furniture, lighting fixtures and other articles for household increased due to the demand of audio equipment, multimedia smart devices and equipment of air treatment. The sale of textile products, clothing items and footwear and food products in shops and markets grew due to the preference of consumption in specialized shops. In addition, meats in poultry industries, butchers and charcuteries registered a high demand. Nevertheless, the sale of audio and video equipment in specialized stores showed an unfavorable performance.

The automotive trade increased by 2.47%, mainly of light-duty vehicles (sport, pick-up, vans and trucks), heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, minibus and omnibus) and small vehicles (motorcycles and tri-motos), associated to the recovery of economic sectors, greater tourism and fleet renewal. Likewise, the sale of parts, pieces and accessories of automotive vehicles increased, due to the acquisition of pneumatics, lubricants and batteries. In addition, the sale of maintenance and repair of motorcycles and its pats, pieces and accessories, continued with the positive trend, due to the renewal of the fleet and the National Day of the Motorcycle. Likewise, the service of maintenance and repair of automotive vehicles registered a growth.