IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Wholesale trade sales increase, but at a slower pace

Wholesale trade sales in real terms weakened to a 4,3% year-on-year growth rate in May 2008, following a large increase of 19,3% year-on-year in April 2008 that was partly a result of the additional working days in April 2008 compared with April 2007.

In the first five months of 2008, wholesale trade sales, at constant (2000) prices, increased by 8,7% compared with the same period in 2007. The annual growth rate for the corresponding period in 2007 was 8,3%.

Seasonally adjusted wholesale trade sales, at constant (2000) prices, for the three months ended May 2008 increased by 3,2% compared with the previous three months.

Wholesale trade sales, at current prices, for the three months ended May 2008 increased by 25,7% compared with the same period in 2007. The annual growth rate for the corresponding period in 2007 was 19,5%. The 25,7% year-on-year growth in 2008 was mainly as a result of increasing fuel sales following rising fuel prices.

Wholesale trade sales, at current prices, for May 2008 increased by 23,2% compared with May 2007.