Commercial activity grew 1.99% in December of 2023

The commerce sector registered in December 2023 a growth 1.99%, compared to the same month of the last year, influenced by the evolution of the wholesale and the retail commerce and automotive commerce.

In 2023, the commercial activity accumulated a progress of 2.36% based in the growth of its three big components.

The wholesale commerce grew by 1.88%, determined by the great sale of solid, liquid, gas fuels and lubricants, mainly targeted to mining sector, retail gas stations and distributors of domestic gas. Likewise, the sale of other type of machinery and equipment increased for mining, services and health sectors. The same trend presented the sale of other household goods such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic products, optical articles, table utensils, toys, stationary items, desk supplies, books and household appliances.

Likewise, the sale of foods, beverages and tobacco reported increase before the greater distribution of products of first need to supermarkets and minimarkets for Christmas campaign and summer season.

The sale of computers, peripheral equipment and computer programs grew by tenders granted. In addition, the non-specialized sale increased due to the high demand of power generation equipment, devices of IT security, industrial lubrication, equipment of personal protection, agro-chemical products, audio and video equipment and nutritional products. Nevertheless, it decreased the sale of telecommunications electronic equipment and its parts; and the sale of waste, scrap and other products.

The retail commerce increased in 2.16% in the last month of 2023, due to greater commercialization of fuels and lubricants for automotive vehicles in gas stations and self-service facilities together with commercial strategies. In addition, the sale of new products in specialized stores due to greater demand of Christmas baskets, decorative items, veterinary medical products, furniture, cellphone equipment and accessories and optical lenses. Same trend presented the sale of pharmaceutical and medical products, cosmetics and toiletries. Due to a greater rotation of dermatological, cosmetics and hygiene products. Likewise, the sale of computers, peripheral equipment, computer programs and telecommunication equipment grew due to the renovation of equipment and hardware and software update.

The sale in supermarkets and minimarkets showed a positive trend caused by the greater demand of products of mass consumer products due to the end of the year campaigns. Likewise, the sale of foods in specialized stores outstood due to the demand of legumes and fresh vegetables or canned, dairy products and eggs, meats and meat-based products. Finally, the sale by mail and by Internet due to the increase of campaigns.

On the other hand, the sale of hardware covers, paints and glass products; the sale in department stores; and sport articles in specialized stores.

The automotive commerce reported an increase of 2.29%, due to a greater sale of light duty vehicles (trucks) and heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, minibuses, omnibuses and tractor units) driven by tenders, fairs, liquidations, financing and discount bonus by end-of-year. Likewise, the sale of parts, pieces and accessories of automotive vehicles registered a growth due to the greater demand in the market of spare parts and pneumatics. In addition, the maintenance and repair of automotive vehicle due to the greater demand of ironing service and repair of motor. On the other hand, the sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and its parts, pieces and accessories decreased.