This is an unedited press release from National Bureau of Statistics of China.


From January to February, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 1743.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 20.2 percent.

In terms of different regions, the retail sales of consumer goods in urban areas was 1184.1 billion yuan, rose by 20.8 percent over the same period of the previous year; that of retail sales at and below the county level achieved 559.1 billion yuan, up by 18.9 percent.

In terms of different industries, the retail sales of wholesale and retail trades was 1463.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 20.0 percent; that of lodging and catering services was 253.6 billion yuan, up by 23.1 percent; that of other industries was 25.8 billion yuan, up by 4.5 percent.

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 27.9, 24.0 and 28.6 percent respectively. Of which, the retail sales for grain and oil, meat, poultry and eggs, clothing, shoes, hats and textiles was surging 41.2, 31.5, and 24.0 percent; that for cultural and offices appliances, sports and recreation articles, and articles for daily use shot up by 26.1, 22.8, and 21.2 percent respectively; that for household appliances and video appliances, furniture, and building jumped 18.8 and 25.9 percent; that for cosmetics and gold, silver, and jewelry rose by 24.3 and 46.8 percent; that for telecommunication appliances, automobiles, and petroleum and related products jumped by 5.3, 33.8, and 40.3 percent respectively; while that of decoration materials declined 10.1 percent, year-on-year.


Available at:

http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/newsandcomingevents/t20080312_402467617.htm