Trade grew 7.5% in February 2022, compared to the same month in 2021, due to higher sales of said sector's sub-branches, which contrasts with results due to curfew in force during February 2021, the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) reported on Friday. In seasonally adjusted terms, the sector fell 0.1%. According to the BCR, trade sector indicators continued to recover. Wholesale sales increased 7.5% due to higher sales of household goods (9.1%), machinery and equipment (5.7%), as well as food, beverages, and tobacco (7.1%).
For their part, retail sales rose by 3.7% compared to the previous year due to higher sales of clothing (92.8%), computers and software (24.2%). On the other hand, the sale of pharmaceutical and medicinal products declined by 21.1% due to lower COVID-19 infections. The sale and repair of vehicles grew 21.6% year-on-year, the issuing entity concluded.