Commercial activity grew 1.82% in March of 2024

In March 2024, the commercial activity registered a growth of 1.82%, compared to the same month of the last year, driven by the wholesale and retail trade; meanwhile that the automotive commerce decreased.

During the first three months of the year, the commercial activity accumulated a progress of 2.42%, compared to the same period of 2023.

The wholesale trade reported an increase of 2.31% in March 2024, determined by the greater sale of solid, liquid, gas fuels and lubricants targeted to mining, retail service and distributors of domestic gas.

Likewise, the sale of machinery and equipment for mining, industry and health sectors, such as heavy-duty machinery, engines and medical equipment increased.

In addition, an increase in the sale of computers, informatic programs and printers due to greater rotation of hardware and software in academic season.

There was also reported an increase in the sale of telecommunications electronic equipment due to greater delivery of telephonic and communication equipment. The same trend was registered the non-specialized wholesale, due to the commercialization of natural products, fertilizers, of animal health, of domestic hygiene, professional audio and video equipment and surveillance equipment.

In addition, the sale of agricultural machinery and supplies grew, driven by the acquisition of hi-tech irrigation equipment, harvesters and tractors. Nevertheless, the sale of construction materials and hardware retailing; and sale of other household goods, decreased.

The retail trade showed an increase of 2.32%, driven by the greater sale of fuels for automotive vehicles in gas stations; the sale of new products in specialized warehouses, such as agriculture, veterinarian medicine products, optical frames, extinguishers and costume jewelry.

Likewise, the sale of sport articles grew due to the demand of accessories for contact sports and outdoors activities.

Likewise, the sale of foods in specialized warehouses increased due to the demand of fruits, legumes, dairy products and benefited chicken. In addition, the sale of department stores before the greater activity in the Cyber Days; as well as the sale of computers, peripheral units, computer programs and equipment of telecommunication for installation in sale points and video surveillance systems in financial and commercial establishments.

The sale in supermarkets and minimarkets also positively evolved due to the opening of new facilities and commercial discounts.

On the other hand, the sale of books, newspapers and stationary items; and the sale of household appliances, furniture, lighting fixtures and other articles for household in specialized warehouses, decreased.

The automotive trade reported a decrease of 3.92% due to the low demand of automotive vehicle and due to the lower sale of its parts, pieces and accessories, mainly of pneumatics. In addition, the sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycle and its parts, pieces and accessories, decreased.

Nevertheless, it was evidenced an increase in maintenance and repair of automotive vehicle due to the opening of local branches and commercial strategies, including services of washing and polishing.