Wholesale Activity Increases in December Quarter

Wholesale Activity Increases in December Quarter

Seasonally adjusted sales increased 0.6 percent in the December 2002 quarter compared with the September 2002 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand. This follows a decrease of 0.1 percent in the September 2002 quarter, and an increase of 1.4 percent in the June 2002 quarter.

The trend in sales increased 0.3 percent in the December 2002 quarter, compared with the September 2002 quarter. This follows increases of 0.3 percent in the September quarter, and 1.7 percent in the June quarter. The trend is showing signs of easing in recent quarters.

Wholesale trade seasonally adjusted finished goods stocks as at 31 December 2002 decreased by 2.1 percent, compared with 30 September 2002. This follows increases of 4.2 percent as at 30 September 2002, and 0.2 percent as at 30 June 2002.

This is the first quarterly release of data from the redesigned Wholesale Trade Survey. The redesign incorporates a number of methodological enhancements aimed at improving the reliability and quality of the results of the survey, while reducing the overall respondent load.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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