Wholesale and retail trade sales statistics, 3rd period 2008

Compared with the same period last year, sales of motor vehicles rose by 2.4 per cent during the first six months this year. The sales of petrol rose by 10.4 and 11.1 per cent respectively.

Retail sales up 3.1 per cent

In May and June 2008, the retail sales rose by NOK 1.7 billion or 3.1 per cent compared with the same period last year. Retail sales increased by NOK 8 billon during the first six months this year compared with the same period in 2007. This is equivalent to an increase of 5.4 per cent, which is considerably less than the increase from the first half year 2006 to the first half year 2007.

Wholesale up 9.4 per cent

The turnover in wholesale rose by NOK 9.4 per cent during the first six months of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007. The considerable rise in prices on fuel and engine fuel contributed nearly 50 per cent to this increase. In May and June, wholesalers experienced a growth of 7.2 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The figures do not include value added tax

Tables:

• Table 1 Sales statistics of retail sales excluding sales of motorized vehicles and petrol. Sales exlude VAT Sales, by county
• Table 2 Sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles; retail sale of automotive fuel. Sales excluding VAT. Sales, by county
• Table 3 Wholesale trade and commission trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Sales exlude VAT Sales, by county
• Table 4 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis 2007. Turnover excluding VAT. NOK million
• Table 5 Turnover statistics except wholesale on a fee or contract basis 2008. Turnover excluding VAT. NOK million