The latest data on Norway’s wholesale and retail sales reveal a slight decline in April 2023 compared to the previous month. According to the seasonally-adjusted volume index, retail sales experienced a decrease of 1.2%. This information is based on the official report released by the Norwegian Statistical Office.
The three-month change, covering the period from February 2023 to April 2023, indicates a 1.9% decrease in retail sales. On an annual basis, comparing April 2023 to April 2022, retail sales recorded a decline of 6.4%.
When analyzing specific sectors within the wholesale and retail trade industry, the report highlights varying trends. The sale of automotive fuel experienced the largest decrease, with a decline of 4.1% in April 2023. Similarly, the retail sale of ICT equipment witnessed a notable drop of 7.6%. On the other hand, the retail sale of cultural/recreation goods saw a modest increase of 1.0%.
Despite the overall decline, certain sectors within the industry managed to maintain positive momentum. Wholesale trade, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, recorded a 0.7% increase in April 2023. Additionally, the retail sale in non-specialized stores observed a slight growth of 0.1%.
These figures shed light on the current state of Norway’s wholesale and retail sector, providing valuable insights for businesses and economists alike. The next update on the index of wholesale and retail sales is scheduled for 28 June 2023, offering a comprehensive overview of the industry’s performance in the coming months.