Vehicle wholesaling bounces back

Overall wholesale trade sales were up in the March 2019 quarter after a slight fall in the December 2018 quarter, according to Stats NZ's latest statistics. 

The seasonally adjusted total sales value for wholesale trade rose 0.7 per cent in the March 2019 quarter, following a 0.2 per cent fall in the December 2018 quarter.

“Four of the six wholesaling industries had sales rises in the March 2019 quarter,” wholesale trade manager Sue Chapman said.

This included the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesaling industry, up 1.4 per cent or $38m compared with the December 2018 quarter. 

However, the largest industry increase was machinery and equipment wholesaling, up $118m from the December 2018 quarter when adjusted for seasonal effects. This includes agricultural and construction machinery, computers, and electrical and electronic goods.

Grocery, liquor, and tobacco products had the largest decrease in sales value in the latest quarter, down $32m, or 0.4 per cent.

Stocks rise in motor vehicle wholesaling

The total value of motor vehicle wholesale trade stocks held at the end of March was $112m, up five per cent, when compared with March 31 2018.

Stocks rose from the March 2018 quarter in all wholesale industries, with machinery and equipment recording the highest increase, up 11 per cent or $345m.