ArmInfo. In Jan-May of 2017, the growth of Armenian trade sector was due to the acceleration in growth rates of wholesale and trade in cars, as well as reaching an upward trend in retail trade. According to National Statistical Service of Armenia, the revenue of trade sector reached 894.5 billion AMD ($ 1.8 billion) by June 1, an increase of 12.8% year-on-year, versus a decline of 0.1% a year ago. At the same time, in May 2017, trade turnover in Armenia showed an increase of 6.6% to 208.6 billion AMD ($ 431.5 million).
Wholesale trade for the reporting period increased volumes by 19.6% to387.6 billion AMD ($ 799 million), versus growth of 5.2% in 2016. Only in May 2017, wholesale trade turnover in Armenia increased by 3.2% to 91.9 billion AMD.
Retail trade increased its revenues to 470.6 billion AMD ($ 970 million), with an increase of 6.9% annually, versus the 4.2% decline in Jan-May 2016. In May alone, retail sales increased by 9.5% to 108.5 billion AMD. In the structure of retail trade, the largest turnover is provided by stores (including supermarkets) - 78.7% or 370.4 billion AMD (with an annual growth of 9.6%), other retail properties - 12.2% or 57.4 billion AMD (with annual growth of 6.2%), followed by consumer goods markets - 5.1% or 24 billion (with an annual decline of 18.9%), stalls and kiosks - 2.5% or 11.8 billion (with an annual growth of 4.7%) and agricultural markets - 1.5% or 7.1 billion Annual decline of 3.3%).
The extent of purchase / sale of cars in Jan-May 2017 increased by 26.6% to 36.2 billion AMD ($ 74.6 million), against growth of 10.7% a year ago. In the monthly section, the proceeds from the purchase / sale of cars increased by 8% to 8.2 billion AMD.
In the structure of Armenia's total trade turnover, the lion's share (52.6%) falls on retail trade, 43.3% - on wholesale, and 4.1% - on car buying / sale.