"Wholesale trade sales, at constant 2000 prices, for September 2011 increased by 9.5% compared with September 2010," said Stats SA.
Seasonally adjusted wholesale trade sales for the third quarter of 2011 increased by 1.9% compared with the second quarter of 2011.
At current prices, for the third quarter of 2011 wholesale trade sales increased by 15.3% compared with the third quarter of 2010.
Dealers in solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and related products were the major contributors to the increases followed by dealers in agricultural raw materials and livestock and dealers in machinery, equipment and supplies.
Standard Bank economists said in a research note that they believed the downside risks in the retail sector remain, with the wholesale trade sector remaining dependent on conditions in the retail sector.
"The weak domestic and global economic conditions coupled with rising price pressures will most likely constrain growth in both sectors," said Standard Bank.
Retail trade sales in September rose above market expectation to 8.3%.
Stats SA also released motor trade sales for September on Thursday. According to Stats SA, motor trade sales for the third quarter of 2011 rose by 14.2% with the major contributors to the increase being fuel sales and new vehicle sales.
Year-on-year motor trade sales rose by 20.4%, with the highest annual growth rate recorded for new vehicle sales followed by fuel sales and income from the sales of accessories.
SAnews.gov.za is a South African government news service, published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). SAnews.gov.za (formerly BuaNews) was established to provide quick and easy access to articles and feature stories aimed at keeping the public informed about the implementation of government mandates.
Go to: http://www.sanews.gov.za
