Commercial activity grew 3.08% in April of 2024

During April of 2024, the commerce sector registered a growth of 3.08%, compared to the same month of the last year, driven by the wholesale commerce, retail commerce and automotive commerce.

In the four first months of the current year, this sector accumulates a progress of 2.59% compared to the same period of 2023.

The wholesale commerce grew 3.14% in April of 2024, driven by the greater sale of solid, liquid and gas fuels and lubricants, mainly targeted to the mining and fishing sector, as well as the centers of retail stations and the distributors of domestic gas, due to public tenders and opening of new gas stations.

Likewise, the sale of foods, beverages and tobacco increased due to the greater supply of products to the retail chains. In addition, the sale of other household goods also grew before the greater rotation of pharmaceutic and medicinal products, perfumery articles, cosmetics and toiletries, products of white line, stationary items, books and office supplies, tableware and glassware.

Likewise, it increased the sale of machinery and equipment driven by the execution of public and private projects.

The wholesale of metals and metal ores increased due to the increase of international prices, mainly of copper.

Finally, it grew the sale of diverse products due to the demand of chemical inputs for mining and industrial sector, fertilizers and chemical products of agriculture use, bulk paper and plastic materials in primary forms.

The retail commerce showed an increase of 3.03%, influenced mainly by the sale of fuel in gas stations, due to the opening of service stations.

Also, it registered an increase in the sale of new products in specialized warehouses due to a greater demand of products of personal security, optical and dental, products, veterinarian products, crafts and topographic equipment.

Likewise, the sale of pharmaceutical and medicinal products, cosmetics and toiletries articles registered an increase to the new business lines and new stores.

In addition, it outstood the sale of computers, computers accessories, computer programs and telecommunications equipment before the tenders for renovation of computers and cellphones, driven by the new models portfolio of commercial brands.

Furthermore, the retail sale of foods in specialized warehouses grew due to the demand in poultry industry, butcheries and confectionaries. It also increased the sale of books, newspapers and stationary items before the greater commercialization of office and stationary items.

Finally, other types of sale non-performed in warehouses, sales or market stalls increased due to the vending machines and products by catalogue. On the other hand, it decreased the sale in department stores, supermarkets and mini-markets, and the sale of household appliances, furniture, lighting equipment and other articles for the household.

The automotive commerce reported an increase of 2.77%, due to the sale of parts, pieces and accessories of automotive vehicles due to greater rotation of pneumatics and motors. Likewise, it grew the demand of automotive vehicles due to the dynamism of the sectors such as construction, transportation, tourism and entertainment.

Also, showed a positive trend the maintenance and repair of automotive vehicles and the sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles, as well as its parts, pieces and accessories.