According to the latest report from the French statistical institute INSEE, sales volume in trade experienced a decline in March 2023. The volume of sales fell by 0.6% compared to the previous month, following a near-stability in February with a 0.1% decrease.
The decrease in sales volume was primarily concentrated in wholesale trade. In March 2023, the volume of sales in wholesale trade, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, dropped by 1.2% compared to February, continuing the downward trend from the previous month (-0.3%). The decline was mainly driven by sectors such as “other specialized wholesale” (fuels, wood, chemical products, etc.) with a 2.9% decrease, “other machinery, equipment and supplies” with a 2.0% decline, and food, beverages, and tobacco with a 1.5% decrease.
However, the volume of sales in the wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles increased by 0.5% in March 2023, albeit at a slower pace than in February (+1.0%).
In the retail sector, the volume of sales, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, remained virtually stable in March 2023, with a slight increase of 0.1% after a 0.2% decrease in February. Notably, retail trade not in stores experienced a significant acceleration with a 4.1% increase, while non-specialized stores saw a decline of 0.7%. Specialized stores had a marginal decrease of 0.1%, except for automotive fuel, which saw a substantial growth of 9.2%. Within specialized stores, the volume of sales declined in most sub-sectors, particularly in “other goods” (clothing, footwear, leather goods, etc.) with a 1.0% decrease and in cultural and recreation goods with a 4.0% decline.
Early estimates for April 2023 indicate a further decrease in the sales volume in retail trade, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, with a projected decline of 1.3% compared to March. The sales volume for the first quarter of 2023 decreased by 1.4% compared to the same period in 2022.
These figures reflect the challenging market conditions in the French trade sector. The fluctuations in sales volume can be attributed to various factors such as economic trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics. INSEE will continue to monitor and provide updates on the performance of the trade sector in France.