Internal trade

Considering the turnover, internal trade is the largest economic activity in Estonia. It covers wholesale and retail trade as well as repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Internal trade is closely connected with other activities – goods that people buy in shops or on the internet come from factories, craftsmen and farmers. The goods are carried by transport enterprises. Consumption of products made in Estonia supports local business, and also means that the goods are delivered to consumers in the most cost-effective way.

Statistics Estonia publishes the following data for trade enterprises:

• turnover;
• turnover volume index;
• retail sales;
• retail sales volume index;
• sales of wholesale enterprises;
• trade margin;
• costs;
• profits;
• assets;
• liabilities;
• equity capital;
• investments;
• value added;
• productivity indicators.

The data of internal trade help to assess how trade enterprises are doing and the impact of the largest economic activity on the whole economy. By analysing data, the heads of trade enterprises can make more informed sales and management decisions, assess their competitiveness on the market, choose pricing principles and react to changing market conditions.