Commercial activity grew 2.37% in February of 2023

Production of Commerce sector increased by 2.37%, in February of 2023, compared to the same month of the year 2022, determined by the increase of three of its big components, wholesale trade, retail trade and automotive trade, within an environment of continuity of economic activity. This information is in accordance with the results of the Monthly Survey of Commerce that the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) carries out. Likewise, in the two first months of this year, the commercial activity registered an increase of 1.83%.

The INEI informed that the wholesale trading increased by 2.22% due to the dynamism showed by the sale of solid, liquid, gas fuels and allied products, before the demand of fuels and lubricants and the progressive development of the natural gas market. The same trend showed the sale of other type of machinery and equipment, sustained in the sale targeted to the industry, commerce and navigation, linked to a greater commercialization of office furniture.

In addition, the sale of other household goods, such as the commercialization of pharmaceutical and medicinal products, cosmetic products and personal care as well as the sale of school supplies for 2023 school campaign. Also, the sale of metals and metal ores, due to the greater copper and iron production, driven by a greater quote; as well as the sale of telecommunications electronic equipment and its parts. Same trend presented the sale of agricultural machinery, equipment and supplies.

Nevertheless, during the second month of this year, the sale of construction materials, hardware articles and the sale of foods, beverages and tobacco decreased.

During the month under analysis, the retail sale increased 3.07%, mainly, due to the sale of pharmaceutical medicinal, cosmetics products and toiletries, due to the expansion of chain stores. In addition, the sale of fuels due to the opening of gas stations; as well as the sale of new products in specialized warehouses, due to the greater demand of electric motors, binoculars, engineering products and topography, among the main ones.

Likewise, the sale of books, newspapers and stationary items according with the demand of school supplies and office supplies; as well as clothing items, footwear and leather articles due to the opening of new establishments and advertising.

In addition, the retail sale of hardware articles, paints and glass products increased due to advertising strategy. As well as the retail-sale by Courier and Internet due to discounts and promotions with credit cards in electronic commerce platforms, while the retail sale of computers, peripheral units and telecommunication equipment in specialized stores and sale in department stores decreased.

The production of automotive trade increased by 1.58% due to the commercialization of light-duty vehicles supported by marketing and sale strategies of semi-new vehicles. Likewise, the maintenance and repair of vehicles grew. On the other hand, the sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and its parts, pieces and accessories and the sale of automotive parts.