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


In April, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 814.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 22.0 percent.

In terms of different regions, the retail sales of consumer goods in urban areas was 555.9 billion yuan, rose by 22.9 percent over the same period of the previous year; that of retail sales at and below the county level achieved 258.3 billion yuan, up by 20.1 percent.

In terms of different industries, the retail sales of wholesale and retail trades was 689.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 21.9 percent; that of hotel and catering services was 112.2 billion yuan, up by 25.2 percent; that of other industries was 12.1 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 25.3, 28.6 and 28.0 percent respectively. Of which, the retail sales for grain and oil was up by 36.3 percent; that of meat, poultry and eggs was up by 30.8 percent; that of clothing was up by 29.7 percent; that of cultural and offices appliances rose by 29.2 percent; that of sports and recreation articles rose by 31.7 percent; that of articles for daily use shot up by 21.5 percent; that of household appliances and video appliances rose by 27.2 percent; that of furniture was up by 37.2 percent; that of cosmetics jumped by 20.5 percent; that of gold, silver, and jewelry rose by 41.0 percent; that of telecommunication appliances rose by 0.5 percent; that of automobiles rose by 25.7 percent; and that of petroleum and related products rose by 45.4 percent; while that of building and decoration materials decreased 1.2 percent.

From January to April, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 3,369.7 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 21.0 percent.


Available at:

http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/newsandcomingevents/t20080513_402479563.htm