Commercial activity increased 3.90% in March of 2025

The National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) informed that during March of 2025, the commerce sector registered a growth of 3.90% compared to the same month of the last year. This result was determined by the dynamism of the wholesale, retail and automotive commerce. Likewise, during the first quarter of the year, the sector accumulated an expansion of 3.37%.

During the month under analysis, the wholesale commerce grew 3.91%, compared to March of 2024, mainly to the greater sale of liquid fuels, gas fuels and lubricants, driven by new purchase orders of retail supply centers and distributors of domestic gas. In addition, the sale of household goods, specially of pharmaceutical, medicinal, cosmetics products, cleaning supplies, brown goods and white goods, due to a greater rotation in the inventory.

In addition, it registered an increase in the sale of heavy machinery, cables and equipment of industrial use intended to mining, construction and industrial sectors, as well as air conditioning and medical equipment. The commercialization of foods, beverages and tobacco also grew, driven by large portfolio of trademarks in beverages, legumes and meat-based products.

Likewise, the sale of products for electronic security increased —as well as video-surveillance system and equipment of industrial and personal protection – as well as construction materials and hardware products. On the other hand, the sale of computers, peripheral equipment and software increased due to new contracts, as well as the commercialization of metals and minerals, in especial copper and gold, together with a growing domestic demand of steel by the side of the industry sector.

The retail commerce experienced a growth of 3.71%, driven by the increase in the sale of fuels for automotive vehicles, associated to the restart of academic activities and at the end of the holiday season. The sales in supermarkets, minimarkets, convenience and of discounts stores showed a great performance thanks to the demand of basic products, meats, beverages and processed foods, supported by summer campaigns, school promotions and loyalty strategies.

Likewise, it increased the sale of pharmaceutical products, cosmetic products and toiletries, motivated by prevention campaigns before seasonal diseases. In addition, it was observed a positive performance in the sale of clothing items, footwear and leather articles, due to the school campaign, summer products go on clearance, addition of new channels of customer services and alliances with payment platforms that offered additional discounts.

The sale of computers, peripherals, software and telecommunications equipment also grew, associated to the beginning of the school year and university. Department stores registered a positive evolution due to payment facilities through consumer loans. A similar trend registered the sale of jewellery and costume jewellery, optical frames, articles of personal protection, measurement instruments, veterinary products, agricultural tools and topographic equipment.

On the other hand, the sale by the Internet and by e-mail increased due to the campaigns such as “Cyber Days”, as well as the sale of foods, beverage, clothes and bazaar articles in markets and market stalls, due to the expansion of establishments. Nevertheless, a decrease in the sale of sports articles in specialized businesses.

During March of 2025, the automotive commerce increased by 4.64%, compared to the same month of the last year, driven by the greater demand of light-duty vehicles (pick-up, vans, SUV’s, trucks), heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, mini-buses, omnibus, tractor units) and small vehicles (motorcycles and tri-motos), favoured by commercial campaigns such as “Neofest 2025” and the opening of new branches.

At the same time, it increased the sale of parts, pieces and accessories of automotive vehicles —such as pneumatics, filters, lubricants and engine components— due to a greater advertising and new contracts. It also increased the sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and its components, backed by commercial strategies, expansion of the product portfolio and the capture of new clients Likewise, a greater growth in the maintenance and repair of automotive vehicles was registered.