First Two Months Of Consumer Goods Retail Sales Grew By 14.7%

From January to February 2007, China's National Bureau of Statistics says accumulated retail sales of consumer goods reached RMB1.45 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 14.7%.

In terms of different regions in China, the retail sales of consumer goods in urban areas was RMB980 billion, rose by 15.3% over the same period of the previous year. In terms of different industries, the retail sales of wholesale and retail trade was RMB1.219 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%; that of lodging and catering industry was RMB205.9 billion, up by 17.0%; that of other industries was RMB24.7 billion, up by 3.6%.

In terms of different commodity categories, the retail sales of wholesale and retail trade above designated size, foodstuff, clothing and utilized commodities increased 19.2, 27.9 and 29.1% respectively. Of which, the retail sales for grain and oil was up by 25.4%, that for meat, poultry and eggs was up by 32.5%, that for clothing, footgear, hats and textile articles was up by 27.9%, that for culture and office articles rose by 16.6%, that for sports and recreation facilities rose by 17.0%, that for daily use commodities shot up by 23.0%, that for household electric appliances and AV facilities rose by 21.6%, that for furniture was up by 40.8%, that for construction and decoration materials increased 32.5%, that for cosmetics jumped by 24.1%, that for jewelries rose by 39.2%, that for telecommunication facilities rose by 13.2%, that for motor vehicles rose by 48.1%, and that for petroleum and its products rose by 28.4%.

In February, consumer price index rose by 2.7% over the same period of the previous year. Of which, urban area and rural area was up by 2.5% and 3.2% respectively; the price of foodstuff, non-foodstuff, consumable and services expanded 6.0, 1.0, 3.0 and 1.8% respectively. Compared with January, CPI increased 1.0 and accumulated CPI from January to February increased 2.4% year-on-year.

In view of eight categories, in February, the price of foodstuff increased 6.0%, year-on-year. Of the total, the price of grain was up by 6.8%; that of oil or fat, poultry and their products and fresh eggs rose by 17.4,15.4, and 30.0% respectively; that of aquatic products, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and spices increased 3.4, 10.4, 7.8 and 3.9% respectively .

The price of tobacco, alcohol and daily articles jumped by 1.8% over the same period of the previous year. Of which, the price of tobacco and alcohol rose 1.1 and 3.2% respectively. The price of clothing was up by 0.2% year-on-year, of which, the price of clothes increased 0.5%. The price of household appliances and maintenance services rose by 2.2% year-on-year. Of which, the price of durable consumer goods rose by 2.2%, and that of household services and maintenance surging 7.1%.

The price of medical care and personal articles increased 1.4% year-on-year. Of which, the price of western medicines decreased 1.6%; that of traditional Chinese medicinal materials and medicines was up by 2.5%; and that of medical care services shot up by 2.5%.

The price of transportation and communication dropped 0.4% year-on-year. Of which, the price of vehicles dropped 1.7%; that of vehicles fuel and spares increased 10.0%; that of using and maintaining of vehicles rose by 3.0%; that of intercity transportation rose by 1.0%; that of urban transportation increased 3.2%; and that of telecommunication services fell 18.4%.

The price of recreational, educational and cultural articles decreased 0.8%. Of which, price of tuition and baby-care decreased 1.0%; that of teaching materials and reference books dropped 0.9%; that of recreation increased 3.0%; that of tourism and outgoing rose by 6.5%; and that of recreation articles dropped 0.5%.

The price of articles related to dwelling expanded 3.7% over the same period of the previous year. Of which, price of water, electricity and fuel, construction and decoration materials, and housing rent was respectively climbing 3.7, 1.6, 5.7 and 4.4%.