China Retail Sales of Consumer Goods Up

In the first quarter of 2007, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached RMB2.1 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 14.9%.

In terms of different regions, the retail sales of consumer goods in urban areas rose by 15.5% over the same period of the previous year; that of retail sales at and below the county level achieved RMB685.5 billion up by 13.7%.

In terms of different industries, the retail sales of wholesale and retail trades was RMB1.78 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 14.7%; that of hotel and catering services was RMB298.4 billion, up by 17.4%; that of other industries was RMB36.2 billion, up by 4.4%.

In terms of different commodity categories, the retail sales above designated size of wholesale and retail trades, divided by foodstuff, clothing and utilized commodities increased 22.4, 27.2 and 25.8% respectively.

Of which, the retail sales for grain and oil was up by 30.4%; that of meat, poultry and eggs was up by 32.5%; that of clothing, shoes, hats and textiles was up by 27.2%; that of cultural and offices appliances rose by 12.9%; that of sports and recreation articles rose by 14.5%; that of articles for daily use shot up by 23.4%; that of household appliances and video appliances rose by 21.0%; that of furniture was up by 37.6%; that of building and decoration materials increased 25.3%; that of cosmetics jumped by 24.8%; that of gold, silver, and jewelry rose by 37.9%; that of telecommunication appliances rose by 10.6%; that of automobiles rose by 38.5%; and that of petroleum and related products rose by 24.0%.