Publications
Partners
"Trade conditions remained subdued in July 2010," Sacci added in a statement.
"However, the TAI is nonetheless seven index points better than in July 2009 but seven points lower than the 56 of March 2010."
According to Sacci, the major sub-indices of trade activity improved only slightly in July, while the backlog on orders, lower inventories and a weak employment environment constrained trade conditions.
The sub-index on sales volumes gained four points and the sub-index on new orders gained only one index point.
The supplier delivery index increased from 46 in June 2010 to 47 in July 2010. Some de-stocking took place in July in the aftermath of exceptional demand in tourism-related sectors during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The index on selling prices declined from 52 to 49 in July and the input price index declined marginally by one point to 58 in July, suggesting that inflationary pressures were easing further.
Sacci's Trade Expectations Index (TEI) rose three points from 61 to 64 in July, indicating expectations for trade conditions were still high and substantially better than a year ago, when the TEI stood at 56.
Expectations on sales and new orders increased, while supplier deliveries and inventories were expected to improve over the next six months.
Respondents did not expect increases in price pressures in the medium term, Sacci added.
Employment conditions in the trade environment deteriorated further as the employment sub-index moved deeper into negative territory in July 2010 - losing another index point.
The employment prospects index remained in positive territory and increased to 51 in July from 50 in June.
- Sapa
