The wholesale trade in agricultural products, industrial machinery, non-food, and food products were sectors where revenue increased, while other wholesale sectors saw revenue decline. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the revenue of the wholesale trade in agricultural products increased by 13.9 percent and that of food products by 6.5 percent compared to the same period a year earlier.
In the sector of other specialized wholesale trade, including oil products and raw materials trading, revenue was almost 11.8 percent lower than a year earlier. Furthermore, revenue in the wholesale trade in ICT equipment decreased by 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Wholesale Revenue 2.0 Percent Lower in 2024
With the fourth quarter, the annual figure is also available. In 2024, wholesale revenue decreased by 2.0 percent compared to 2023. The wholesale trade in food products was the only sector to show a revenue increase, with a rise of 5.3 percent compared to 2023. In all other wholesale sectors, revenue declined or remained unchanged compared to 2023.
More Bankruptcies in the Fourth Quarter
In the fourth quarter of 2024, 100 companies in wholesale trade and trade intermediation were declared bankrupt, the same as in the third quarter. In total, 394 companies were declared bankrupt in 2024, an increase of 97 companies compared to 2023.
Entrepreneur Confidence Rises but Remains Negative
Entrepreneur confidence in wholesale trade and trade intermediation has risen but remains negative. Entrepreneur confidence in wholesale trade and trade intermediation was -3.2 points at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025. Entrepreneur confidence for the entire business sector remained negative (-5.4 points) but has risen slightly compared to the previous quarter.
Personnel Shortage Remains Biggest Obstacle but Decreases
At the beginning of the first quarter of 2025, entrepreneurs in wholesale trade and trade intermediation most frequently cited a shortage of labor as the main obstacle (30.1 percent). This share has decreased compared to the previous quarter. 26.9 percent of entrepreneurs cited insufficient demand as the main obstacle in business operations, the same as a quarter earlier. The number of entrepreneurs with a shortage of production means as the main obstacle has decreased to 10.9 percent at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025. 30.4 percent of entrepreneurs said they experienced no obstacles.