Wholesaling: Order Activity to be Expanded

The business climate indicator for wholesaling weakened again slightly in August, after having risen to its highest level in more than a year in July. The main reason was that the wholesalers no longer gave such excellent marks to the current business situation. In contrast, the firms are again more confident with regard to the outlook for the coming months. Inventory overhangs have been further reduced, and many firms have expansive order plans. Also, wholesalers still plan to increase staff levels. The rising trend in selling prices has clearly weakened, according to the survey participants.