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Published: 14 May 2019

Turnover of trade grew by 0.8 per cent in March

According to Statistics Finland, the working day adjusted turnover of total trade grew by 0.8 per cent in March compared to March 2018. The development of turnover was weakened by the contraction in motor vehicle trade, whereas turnover in other trade industries increased from one year ago. The working day adjusted sales volume of total trade, from which the impact of price changes has been eliminated, decreased by 0.9 per cent in March. The weaker development of sales volume than turnover particularly in wholesale trade and daily consumer goods trade is due to a rise in prices.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover and sales volume in total trade (G), %

The working day adjusted turnover and sales volume of motor vehicle trade both decreased by some three per cent from one year ago. In wholesale trade, the working day adjusted turnover grew by 1.7 per cent, whereas the sales volume of the industry decreased by nearly the same amount. The working day adjusted turnover of retail trade grew in March by 1.4 per cent and the sales volume, in turn, by 1.7 per cent. Among retail trade industries, turnover grew in daily consumer goods, department store and specialised store trade.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover and sales volume in industries of trade, March 2019, % (TOL 2008)

Turnover remained on the same level with the previous month

The seasonally adjusted turnover of total trade remained in March on the same level as in February. The sales volume went down slightly by 0.2 per cent over the same period. In February, turnover decreased by 0.2 per cent and sales volume, in turn, by 0.4 per cent compared to the previous month.

Change in seasonally adjusted turnover and sales volume in total trade (G) from the previous month, %

Trend of turnover and sales volume in total trade

The calculation of indices of turnover of trade is based on the Tax Administration’s data on self-assessed taxes, which are supplemented with Statistics Finland’s sales inquiry. The volume index of sales is calculated by removing the effect of price changes from the value index series.

The factors caused by the variation in the number of weekdays are taken into account in adjustment for working days. This means taking into consideration the lengths of months, different weekdays and holidays. In addition, seasonal variation is eliminated from seasonally adjusted series, on account of which it makes sense to compare observations of two successive months as well.

The data for the latest month are preliminary and they may become significantly revised particularly on more detailed industry levels in coming months.

Source: Turnover of trade, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Suvi Kiema 029 551 3509, Seija Karttunen 029 551 2741, palvelut.suhdanne@stat.fi

Director in charge: Mari Ylä-Jarkko

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Appendix tables

• Appendix table 1. Annual change of working day adjusted turnover and sales volume in industries of trade, % (TOL 2008) (14.5.2019)

Revisions in these statistics

• Revisions in these statistics (14.5.2019)

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Updated 14.05.2019